Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller).

Mr. MICHAUD. I have one further request for time, and then I am prepared to close.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I am particularly pleased with this package because it also includes legislation that I have been working on for well over 2 years that will ensure that our severely disabled and elderly veterans are able to get the care they need. Specifically, my bill requires the VA to enter into contracts or provider agreements with State Veterans Nursing Homes in order to get the reimbursement that they adequately need to take care of our veterans. Without this legislation, State Veterans Homes will not get reimbursed properly for the services they provide for our veterans. According to data from the National Association of State Veterans Homes, the average rate for care is roughly $359 per veteran per day, while VA only reimburses the homes $235 per day. This difference of $124 per day amounts to over $45,000 per year for each covered veteran. And with approximately 25,000 beds nationwide, the financial burden on State Veterans Homes could become crippling. Passing this legislation into law will ensure that our State Veterans Homes are paid adequately for the services they provide and can continue to serve our veterans that are in need of those services. I want to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Filner for their support of this bill and for working to bring this legislation to the floor. Our veterans will be better off as a result. I also would like to thank Chairwoman Buerkle for her efforts as well, working in a bipartisan manner, and staff on both the majority and minority sides for bringing this bill forward, Mr. Speaker, I have a question for Mr. Miller. He had mentioned earlier about a colloquy. If those colloquies are entered separately, will that be made a part of the Record?

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague about section 102 of the bill. That provides medical care for certain medical conditions for veterans and their families who lived at Camp Lejeune from 1957 through 1987. There is one provision applicable to family members where VA would reimburse family members for health care services provided under this section but only after they exhaust reasonably available alternative reimbursements. I want to ensure that this language is not read to mean that family members must actually file suit under the Federal Tort Claims Act or even come to end of litigation under a suit filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act to ensure the medical care offered by this provision. Can my colleague confirm this?

Mr. MICHAUD. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, with that, 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 honor U.S. Marine Captains Mark Silvers and Sean Gobin for their tremendous efforts on behalf of our nation's wounded warriors. Everyday our men and women in uniform place themselves at great personal risk in order to defend our nation's freedom and security. Captain Silvers and Captain Gobin are two such heroes who decided to continue serving their fellow soldiers after their tours had ended. Moved by the number of service members returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with debilitating injuries, the two men pledged their efforts to improve the lives of our nation's wounded warriors. On March 15, 2012, Captain Silvers and Captain Gobin commenced a 2,180 mile hike of the Appalachian Trail to raise funds and awareness of the debilitating injuries our soldiers have suffered while in service to our country. Their journey will come to an end next week at the summit of Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. As they travelled through 14 states, Captain Silvers and Gobin have hosted a number of fundraisers at separate VFW posts on behalf of Operation Military Embrace; a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of wounded servicemembers. All of the proceeds from these events will be used to purchase adaptive vehicles for veterans who have sustained multiple amputations in the course of their service in Iraq or Afghanistan. These men have set a remarkable example for what it means to serve our country. Operation Military Embrace and Warrior Hike remind us all of our enduring responsibility to honor and care for those who have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedom. As the Ranking Member on the Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am pleased to join the chorus of congratulations celebrating the completion of these men's impressive journey. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Captain Silvers and Captain Gobin on achieving so much on behalf of our wounded veterans.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pine Tree Legal Assistance in celebration of their 45th anniversary this month. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality, free, legal assistance to low-income individuals. Serving as the primary legal aid provider in Maine with six offices ranging from Presque Isle to Portland, Pine Tree Legal strives to provide access to legal assistance in all corners of the state. Since its founding on July 19, 1967, Pine Tree Legal Assistance has worked to remove the barriers to justice that can be experienced by low-income Mainers. Their services range from providing basic legal advice to active representation in the most serious cases. The organization continues to place a priority on helping individuals and families meet their basic human needs, such as access to housing, food, income, safety, and education. Pine Tree Legal also boasts innovative, issue-specific divisions such as a Native American Unit and KIDS LEGAL, as well as providing help with unemployment issues and foreclosure prevention. More recently, they have been responsible for the development and ongoing support of Stateside Legal, which is an online resource to provide legal information to veterans and military families. Pine Tree Legal Assistance maintains an excellent reputation in the field of legal advocacy. They also serve as one of six Maine nonprofits that meet the Better Business Bureau standards for charitable accountability. I am pleased to share in the celebration of Pine Tree Legal Assistance's 45th year of exemplary legal assistance to the people of Maine. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Pine Tree Legal Assistance on achieving this tremendous milestone.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Laurianne Cormier. Born on July 12, 1912, in Lewiston, Maine, Mrs. Cormier has two daughters, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Mrs. Cormier has dedicated much of her life to working and volunteering in her community. Like many other Franco-Americans growing up in Lewiston during the Great Depression, Mrs. Cormier helped to support her family by working in a local shoe factory. After her retirement, Mrs. Cormier kept busy by volunteering at the YWCA and at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. In fact, thirty-five years later, Mrs. Cormier is still volunteering there and has devoted over 18,500 hours of her time and energy to the community she loves. Mrs. Cormier's co-workers admire her work ethic, spirit and passion for her job. In October of 2010, she was presented with the Mayoral VIBE Award (Volunteers Inspire By Example) and in April of this year, she was nominated for one of the Maine Commission for Community Service's annual Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism. Mrs. Cormier was recognized as a special ``Volunteer Hero'' at that ceremony. On Tuesday of this week, her colleagues at St. Mary's hosted a birthday party for her and on Sunday, July 15, her family and friends will gather for a second celebration that will take place at the Franco-American Heritage Center. I am very much looking forward to congratulating Mrs. Cormier in person at Sunday's celebration. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Laurianne Cormier on this special day. She is truly an exemplary citizen whose dedication to her community and to her family is certainly an inspiration to us all.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the first successful transatlantic television signal between Andover Earth Station, Maine, and Pleumeur-Bodou Telecom Center in Brittany, France, which took place on July 12, 1962. As a Co-Chair of the Congressional French Caucus, it is often my great honor to commemorate special moments in history that recognize the historical relationship of the United States and France. It is a particular honor to recognize an event that my home State of Maine played a key part of. Five decades ago, Andover, Maine, and Pleumeur-Bodou, France, were connected for a short 22 minutes. In our digital world, sometimes it is hard to believe how far we have come. But that short bond, less than a half an hour, played a historical role in advancing science and telecommunications forever. Former Senator Margaret Chase Smith is synonymous with statesmanship across Maine and the United States. How proud Senator Smith, who played an important role in Telstar's success, must have been when the first image shown across the Atlantic Ocean was a live shot of the American flag being held in Andover, Maine. Because of the unique partnership formed between Maine and France five decades ago, the world saw the potential in space and satellite communication, and in the power of sharing information around the globe. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this special occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize L.L. Bean on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. It was one century ago that Leon Leonwood Bean sent out his first shipment of Maine hunting shoes. Defects in the shoe's initial design caused individuals to return 90 pairs of those shoes. Undeterred, Bean provided the purchasers with full refunds, corrected the design flaws and set back to work marketing his products. This commitment to customer satisfaction has been the cornerstone of L.L. Bean's success throughout the last 100 years. Not only does their customer satisfaction guarantee remain in effect, but L.L. Bean's store in Freeport, Maine is still open to visitors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. L.L. Bean has since grown to become a global retail giant. The company achieved over $1.52 billion in sales last year while providing over 4,900 full-time jobs. Shoppers can visit any one of the retail or outlet stores located throughout the United States and Japan, or purchase quality products online. Despite its success in appealing to consumers from all over the world, L.L. Bean is beloved for retaining its uniquely Maine character. From July 4th to 7th, L.L. Bean will be celebrating its 100th anniversary with music, parades, and a fireworks display. I am pleased to be one of the countless individuals throughout Maine who will be congratulating L.L. Bean, and all of its employees, on achieving this impressive milestone. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating L.L. Bean on its tremendous success over the last 100 years.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rita Cannan on her retirement from the Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races. Rita is stepping down from the Can-Am International Sled Dog Races after 15 years as its President and 19 years of dedicated service overall. Her remarkable efforts helped transform the community of Fort Kent, Maine into a premier dog sled racing location on the mushing map of North America. The Can-Am International Sled Dog Races loses an incredible asset with Rita's departure. She is extremely well known in the Fort Kent community as a businesswoman and a civic leader. Rita has served as a member of the planning board, president of the Greater Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce, a trustee of the Northern Maine Medical Center, a member of the Aroostook County Tourism Board, a member and president of the Rotary Club, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a member of the Fish River Scenic By-Way Committee, and as a director of the University of Maine at Fort Kent Foundation. Without question, Rita's leadership was instrumental to the growth of Can-Am. The recipient of countless awards and commendations issued by the town of Fort Kent and the State of Maine, there has been little left unsaid about Rita's enormous value to the community. I am pleased to join the members of the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races, and the people of Maine, in congratulating Rita Cannan on her retirement. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Rita on achieving this milestone, and thanking her for her all that she has done for the community of Fort Kent.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the members of the Maine Department of the American Legion Auxiliary, in honor of their tremendous work on behalf of the ``Operation: Military Kids'' program. Our men and women in uniform put themselves at risk every day to defend our freedom and security. It is our duty as citizens to honor their sacrifices and the sacrifices made by their families. In this spirit, Operation: Military Kids was established to support children and youth who have family members deployed around the world. 945 community members representing over 43 national, state, and local organizations came together in 2011 to remind our military children that they are not alone. I am pleased to congratulate the members of the Maine Auxiliary, and the rest of the Maine American Legion family, on securing 24 kayaks and supporting equipment for the Operation: Military Kids program. This was a remarkable effort by the community. The kayaks, valued at over $24,000 all together, will be put to use in Maine's western mountains at the Maine Army National Guard Youth Camp in Bog Brook, ME. Today, we celebrate the tremendous success of the American Legion's fundraising efforts and the incalculable joy those kayaks will bring to Maine's military families. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the members of the American Legion Department of Maine Auxiliary for their dedication to our military families.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Leroy Keller of Scarborough, Maine, who is celebrating his 50th consecutive year as a volunteer with the American Legion, Department of Maine Dirigo Boys State Program. Leroy has been an integral part of the Maine American Legion Boys State Program for the last half century. Boys State programs currently operate in 48 States around the country, and serve over 19,000 high school students ever year. Enrolled students are given the opportunity to learn about the operation of State and local governments by running a model state. Boys State helps instill a sense of civic engagement in our youth, while also providing them with an experience that is both fun and educational. The Department of Maine Dirigo Boys State was founded in 1947, and through the hard work of people like Leroy, the program has made a significant impact in the lives of thousands of Maine high school students. Few people can claim to embody the spirit of community engagement as completely as Mr. Keller. Leroy retired from a distinguished career as an educator in the Mount View and Deer-Isle Stonington School districts. He has also refereed and coached youth sports for 40 years in the Eastern Maine Conference. After five decades, Leroy's commitment to Maine's youth through the Boys State Program is second only to his 51-year marriage to his wife Mary. He has been the senior counselor coordinator for most of his 50 years at the organization, overseeing countless volunteers and students, including myself. I am humbled to be one of the many lives touched by Leroy's warmth and dedication. On June 16, Dirigo Boys State will be honoring Leroy for his service at Thomas College in Waterville, ME. I can think of no one else more deserving of this recognition. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Keller on achieving this milestone, and thanking him for all that he does on behalf of Maine's youth.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Aroostook Medical Center in advance of its 100th anniversary. The City of Presque Isle has proclaimed June 9th TAMC Day to commend the medical center's outstanding work on behalf of the community. The Aroostook Medical Center began as the Presque Isle General Hospital in 1912. Established to meet the healthcare needs of the growing Northern Maine community, the hospital has since expanded to include top services and facilities in many Aroostook communities including Presque Isle, Mars Hill, Fort Fairfield, Caribou, and Ashland. TAMC is one of the area's largest economic drivers, employing over 1000 staff members and 60 physicians. The hospital is also a member of the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems allowing TAMC to connect its patients with specialty physicians and advanced services. Providing access to quality health care in rural areas like Maine can be a challenge for many health providers, yet TAMC continues to thrive in Aroostook County. The hospital was recognized nationally last year for the positive feedback it received from patient satisfaction surveys. After receiving the award, TAMC went back to work on finding new ways to improve patient comfort. On June 9, 2012, the State of Maine will express its thanks to TAMC for its many years of tremendous service. I am pleased to share in the celebration of TAMC Day and the 100th anniversary of the hospital's establishment. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating The Aroostook Medical Center on its outstanding service to the people of Maine.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sgt. Joseph Shepherd on his retirement from the Waterville Police Department. Sgt. Shepherd is officially retiring from the Waterville Police Department after 31 years. Joe began his career in law enforcement at the age of 22, and he has been a model of integrity ever since. Throughout his career, he has never wavered from his dedication to the community or his desire to help people. Waterville police Chief Joseph Massey has called Sgt. Shepherd a ``problem solver'' with a stellar reputation throughout the city. These values have made him one of Waterville's most effective and well-liked police officers. With Sgt. Shepherd's departure, Waterville is losing a valued asset. Joe holds a bachelor's degree in administration of justice from the University of Maine at Augusta and a master of business administration from Thomas College. He has also left his mark on the department as a supervisor and training officer. As he embarks on this next exciting step in his life, Sgt. Shepherd leaves behind a community ever grateful for his years of dedicated service. I am pleased to join the Waterville Police Department, and the people of Maine, in honoring Sgt. Shepherd on his retirement. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Sgt. Shepherd on achieving this milestone, and thanking him for all that he has done to keep Maine families safe.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy Chief Ron Newton for his 50 years of tremendous service to the people of Manchester, Maine. Every day, the men and women of our community fire departments place themselves in harm's way to protect the lives and property of their neighbors. At the age of 17, Ron Newton made the decision to take his place in this proud tradition. After five decades of service, his dedication to the community and his desire to help people has never faltered. Deputy Chief Newton has been a fixture at the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department for the majority of its existence. He has contributed countless hours responding to fire calls, engaging in fire trainings, and holding safety meetings. As a longstanding Deputy Chief, the department has looked to him time and again for his experience and leadership. There is no question that Ron is a pillar in the Manchester community and a role model for others to follow. On June 14, 2012, the town of Manchester will honor Deputy Chief Newton during a town meeting for his years of service. I am pleased to lend my own congratulations and best wishes on this occasion. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in honoring Deputy Chief Newton on the amazing milestone.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John F. Murphy Homes of Auburn, Maine, on the occasion of its 35th anniversary. John F. Murphy was one of Maine's foremost advocates on behalf of the developmentally disabled. In 1954, Mr. Murphy used his standing on the Lewiston Board of Finance to open the Garcelon School as an educational facility for mentally retarded children. After his passing in February of 1976, members of the Lewiston Auburn Association for the Mentally Retarded formed a foundation in Mr. Murphy's honor to continue his work. On May 18, 1977, the John F. Murphy Foundation for the Mentally Retarded was officially established with the mission to provide housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. In March of 1978, they opened their first home at 23 Pleasant Street in Lewiston for six people. Today, the agency provides direct support to hundreds of Mainers and their families, employs more than 700 people in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area, and generates millions of dollars in local economic activity. John F. Murphy Homes has helped to raise awareness about intellectual disabilities and the need for group care facilities. The organization's remarkable success is owed to the outstanding vision of its founders and the tireless work of its employees. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating John F. Murphy Homes on achieving 35 years of exemplary service to the Lewiston-Auburn community.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John F. Murphy Homes of Auburn, Maine on the occasion of its 35th anniversary. John G. Murphy was one of Maine's foremost advocates on behalf of the developmentally disabled. In 1954, Mr. Murphy used his standing on the Lewiston Board of Finance to open the Garcelon School as an educational facility for mentally retarded children. After his passing in February of 1976, members of the Lewiston Auburn Association for the Mentally Retarded formed a foundation in Mr. Murphy's honor to continue his work. On May 18, 1977, the John F. Murphy Foundation for the Mentally Retarded was officially established with the mission to provide housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. In March of 1978, they opened their first home at 23 Pleasant St. in Lewiston for 6 people. Today, the agency provides direct support to hundreds of Mainers and their families, employs more than 700 people in the greater Lewiston- Auburn area, and generates millions of dollars in local economic activity. John F. Murphy Homes has helped to raise awareness about intellectual disabilities and the need for group care facilities. The organization's remarkable success is owed to the outstanding vision of its founders and the tireless work of its employees. In January, John F. Murphy Homes received a $1.7 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to continue their important work. John F. Murphy's example has truly made the Lewiston-Auburn community a better place for the mentally retarded. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the John F. Murphy Homes on achieving 35 years of exemplary service to the Lewiston-Auburn community.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. I rise today to offer an amendment to restore funding to the Economic Development Administration. EDA is the only Federal Agency with the single mission of creating high-quality jobs here at home. The investments made by EDA in all of our districts lead to economic development and job creation. By law, EDA projects require a 50 percent local share and must leverage significant private sector investment. As a result, EDA funding goes to projects that have been developed and vetted by local leaders and businesses. Their investments are competitive, merit-based, and are based on regional comprehensive economic development strategies. As a result, EDA projects reflect local priorities and contribute to broader economic development in the area. But most importantly, all EDA investments must result in the creation and retention of high-quality jobs. The program has a strong track record of success in my home State of Maine and throughout the country. In fact, between 2005 and 2010, EDA investments have helped to create over 314,000 jobs nationwide. At a time when our economic recovery continues to be slow and millions of Americans are out of a job, it does not make sense to cut the one Federal program singly dedicated to funding projects to put them back to work. My amendment will maintain level funding for EDA, and it is offset by cuts to the periodic census and programs account, which is currently funded at 3\1/2\ times that of EDA. Even though the next census is 8 years away, the overall census program was cut by just under $10 million. EDA was cut by $38 million. Reducing the census account by $38 million is only a 6 percent decrease. By cutting EDA by the same amount is a 17 percent decrease in their funding. Some might come to the floor today to criticize EDA or its investment. I agree that we should do everything we can to make sure this and other Federal programs work well. But cutting EDA's funding or eliminating it altogether would be shortsighted at a time when we need every job-creating tool at our disposal. My amendment continues level funding for a program that is uniquely designed to address almost any economic development activity. It continues funding for a program that has specific tools and expertise to address chronically poor and distressed areas, post-disastrous economic recovery, and the consequences of plant closures or downsizing. I am offering this amendment because I believe it is the wrong time to turn our backs on investments in our communities that will make a real difference and because I believe that it is the right time to get our priorities right and insist on Federal investments that are focused on job creation. I offered this amendment last year, and more than 300 Members of the House joined me in voting to restore EDA funding. I urge my colleagues to join me once again this year and help pass this amendment to restore the funding to EDA and to support a proven job creator. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this amendment to eliminate funding for EDA. As was mentioned earlier, EDA is the only Federal program whose focus is to create jobs. The program funds merit-based competitive grants for projects that also require local funding. EDA's grant decision process is void of political influence and awards grants based on merit. The economy is improving, but we're not back on our feet yet; 12 million Americans are out there still looking for work. Now is not the time to eliminate this program. My friend from Kansas calls EDA a wealth-distribution program and argues that it picks winners and losers. The financial crisis picked winners and losers. In contrast, the EDA is bound by law to provide investments only to communities experiencing economic distress; 305 Members of the House from both parties, including the gentleman from Kansas, voted to fully fund this program last year. So I urge my colleagues to once again support the EDA in a vote against this amendment to eliminate the program. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Keith Wheeler for his tremendous service to the people of Aroostook County. On May 6, 2012, Lieutenant Wheeler will have completed his 40th year of exemplary service in the Aroostook County Sheriff's Office. Keith began his career in law enforcement as a jail guard at the age of 24. As a Patrol Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant and a Lieutenant, he has never wavered from his dedication to the community or his desire to help people. These values have made Lieutenant Wheeler a fixture in the Country and a highly effective Commander of the Sheriff Office's Law Enforcement Division. Lieutenant Wheeler is also known for his ability to form close relationships and inspire confidence amongst his colleagues. Retired Chief Deputy Shirley Cleary has been a career long role model and friend to Keith, always stressing the importance of treating people the way you would want to be treated. Lieutenant Wheeler was also entrusted to coordinate the state's Marijuana Eradication Program. In 2008, he was named the Deputy Sheriff of the year by the Maine Sheriff's Association. I am pleased to join the Aroostook County Sheriff's Office, and the people of Maine, in celebrating Lieutenant Wheeler's 40 years of commendable service. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Lieutenant Wheeler on achieving this milestone, and thanking him for all that he does to keep Maine families safe.