Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, NHCADSV, on reaching its 35th anniversary.

The Coalition started thirty-five years ago as the New Hampshire Coalition on Battered Women and began the important work of providing women and their families with a voice to stand up to the violence and abuse they have experienced. Over the years they have helped launch many programs and initiatives to prevent and combat domestic violence and abuse in collaboration with both state and federal partners, including the Domestic Violence Prevention Program and the Statewide Program to Improve the Response to Domestic Violence.

In addition to their advocacy and program support, the NHCADSV is made up of fourteen member programs and centers around the state that directly assist and provide services to those individuals and families who are in crisis. These programs and centers provide a safe place and secure environment, as well as the much needed support systems and tools women and their families need to work through these difficult situations.

As we recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month it is very fitting that we celebrate the selfless work of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence and all of their partners across the state. I commend you for all your hard work and dedication and congratulate you on your success throughout the last thirty-five years. I wish you all the best for the future.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Victoria Arlen of Exeter, New Hampshire on winning a gold medal and three silver medals at the Paralympic Games in London, England. It is truly a prestigious distinction to be one of a few athletes from around the globe to represent their country, and Victoria's outstanding performance in the Games has brought pride to both New Hampshire and the United States.

At a young age, she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a neurological disorder that causes inflammation of the spinal cord. Awaking after two years in a coma, she fought back against this disease and used her strong spirit and determination to overcome the challenges she was presented with. With the support of her parents and twin brothers, Victoria excelled in her recovery and has emerged as a world class athlete.

Throughout her brief career, she has consistently exceeded expectations and did again in London, beating several highly ranked competitors and setting a new world record in the 100-meter freestyle S6 where she took home the gold medal. She earned her silver medals in the 400-meter Freestyle, the 50-meter Freestyle, and the 4100m Women's Freestyle relay with her U.S. teammates. With her athletic talent and effort, and strong drive and will, she has quickly become one of the top swimmers in the world.

Her motto of ``face it, embrace it, defy it, and conquer it'' has guided her to success and I believe she has inspired young athletes across the country to strive for their dreams no matter the challenges they face. On behalf of the First District of New Hampshire, I commend Victoria on her outstanding accomplishments and wish her all the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, at the end of 2012 Barry Conway will retire as Commandant of the New Hampshire State Veterans Home after forty years of faithful service in health care administration. Mr. Conway began his career as a Corpsman with the United States Air Force serving from 1960-1964. Soon after leaving the Air Force, he pursued his post- secondary education in Rhode Island, before

beginning his work in health care administration working in long-term care facilities, ambulatory care centers and hospitals.

For the last twenty-three years, Mr. Conway has worked at the New Hampshire State Veterans Home, providing quality care and services to our states aging and disabled veterans. Under his leadership the Veterans Home has become a sought after long-term care facility, focusing on the special needs of our veterans. The care provided to our veterans not only meets their specific challenges and needs, but honors both them and their service to our country.

Mr. Conway has also shared his expertise and experience in caring for the elderly, frail, and disabled veterans as a member of many associations including the National Association of State Veterans Home, American College of Health Care Administrators, New Hampshire Health Care Association, and the American Legion. He has served New Hampshire and its residents well, especially our veterans community, and he will be sorely missed when he leaves the Veterans Home.

I congratulate Barry Conway on his well earned retirement and thank him for his outstanding support of our veterans here in New Hampshire. I wish both Barry and his wife Barbara continued success in their life together.

Mr. Speaker, on September 30, 2012 Barry Conway will retire as Commandant of the New Hampshire State Veterans Home after forty years of faithful service in health care administration. Mr. Conway began his career as a Corpsman with the United Stated Air Force serving from 1960-1964. Soon after leaving the Air Force, he pursued his post secondary education in Rhode Island, before beginning his work in health care administration working in long-term care facilities, ambulatory care centers and hospitals.

For the last twenty-three years, Mr. Conway has worked at the New Hampshire State Veterans Home, providing quality care and services to our state's aging and disabled veterans. Under his leadership the Veterans Home has become a sought after long-term care facility, focusing on the special needs of our veterans. The care provided to our veterans not only meets their specific challenges and needs, but honors both them and their service to our country.

Mr. Conway has also shared his expertise and experience in caring for the elderly, frail, and disabled veterans as a member of many associations including the National Association of State Veterans Homes, American College of Health Care Administrators, New Hampshire Health Care Association, and the American Legion. He has served New Hampshire and its residents well, especially our veterans community, and he will be sorely missed when he leaves the Veterans Home.

I congratulate Barry Conway on his well earned retirement and thank him for his outstanding support of our veterans here in New Hampshire. I wish both Barry and his wife Barbara continued success in their life together.

Mr. Speaker, on September 30, 2012 Dr. Marc Levenson will retire from the VA Medical Center after 24 years of faithful service to our State's veterans. Dr. Levenson began his medical career practicing Internal Medicine at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill and then went on to serve as Vice President and Senior Physician at Jackson River Internists in Virginia.

After his time in private practice, he joined the VA Health Care System in Pennsylvania before making a permanent place in the New England VA Health Care System. Dr. Levenson began his career in Manchester as the Chief of Staff and after 12 years in this position was promoted to Director of the Manchester VA Medical Center in 2000. Since that time he has led the VAMC with dedication and integrity, bringing the best care and services possible to our State's veterans.

He has helped to improve and initiate several clinics including Ophthalmology, Audiology, Dermatology and Podiatry Care. His efforts also focused on implementing Primary Care Mental Health Integration and expanding the Home Based Primary Care Program to the Community Based Outpatient Clinics throughout the State. He has also stepped in to help out at other Medical Centers in White River Junction, Vermont and Bedford, Massachusetts when these facilities were transitioning between directors.

Dr. Levenson has been a great leader for our veterans here in New Hampshire and provided all of our veterans with the services and care they need when transitioning back from active duty to civilian life, and into their later years. His work has been outstanding and is greatly appreciated. I congratulate Dr. Levenson on his well earned retirement and thank him for his outstanding support of our veterans in New Hampshire and New England.

I thank the chairman for yielding the time.

Mr. Chairman, I add my voice to calling for the passage of H.R. 4078, the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act.

One of the key provisions of this bill is title III, the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act. Certain environmental advocacy groups sue Federal agencies to issue regulations, and then agencies settle these lawsuits behind closed doors, which is also known as ``sue and settle.'' Only after a settlement has been agreed to does the public have any chance to provide any comment. This is a pointless exercise because the damage has already been done. More troubling, these settlements often allow advocacy groups and agencies to effectively dictate major policy on their own by circumventing the protections that exist for public participation in a regulatory system.

This provision, the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2012, promotes openness and transparency in the regulatory process, and it does that by requiring agencies to notify the public of these lawsuits before they're settled and giving the public meaningful voice in the process.

As Chairman Issa knows from the field hearing he held on Great Bay in my district in the State of New Hampshire, my constituents and small businesses are facing this very issue. Communities, small businesses, and New Hampshire families are facing massive tax increases because outside organizations with political agendas are forcing the EPA into a sue or settle situation, costing Granite Staters on the seacoast hundreds of millions of dollars. This has been done behind closed doors without the community being at the table as a full negotiating partner, and this is wrong.

We all want the Great Bay to be clean and to be protected, but sue and settle is not the way. In the end, the actions of a few politically driven organizations are costing small businesses and hurting New Hampshire families in an already difficult economy.

Chairman Issa, I want to thank you for coming to New Hampshire to shed light on this problem. For these reasons, I urge all Members to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to those calling attention to the harmful tax hikes that could soon come our way.

With tax cuts set to expire at midnight on December 31 of this year, the

Obama administration wants some of those taxes to increase. I think that that would inflict a body blow to our economy and prolong this recovery.

A recent study by the accounting firm Ernst & Young finds raising these taxes would cause the estimated loss of 700,000 jobs, wages would be reduced by 1.8 percent, and our economy would shrink by 1.3 percent.

My State of New Hampshire relies heavily on small businesses; they are the backbone of our economy. This tax hike would hit small businesses especially hard because at least 75 percent pay their taxes as individuals.

I think of the many job creators in my district, such as Hampshire Fire Protection in Londonderry. They face enough challenges without Washington imposing higher taxes and that burden on their small business. With the Nation's unemployment at 8.2 percent, we simply cannot afford to lose an additional 700,000 jobs. That is why I say we must stop this tax hike, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I thank Sergeant Christophe Rustici for his brave and honorable service to our country with the United States Marine Corps.

Sgt. Rustici has served with the Marine Corps since May of 2006 when he enlisted as a Reservist. During his enlistment he was deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq in support of our combat operations in the region. Clnistophe fought side by side with local and NATO coalition forces, and was in charge of several of his fellow Marines. He was responsible for providing security to many installations and bases in both Iraq and Afghanistan, assisted with first aid to both locals and fellow soldiers, and assisted in engaging with the local forces and population to provide humanitarian aid.

Sgt. Rustici's hard work and efforts have been recognized with a Certificate of Commendation for his actions as a Fire Team Leader and Sergeant of the Guard for his service in Afghanistan. He has also qualified as a Rifle and Pistol Expert with the Marine Corps, and has been awarded a Meritorious Mast for Excellence while working as a recruiter with the Marines.

Our liberties, our values, and everything America stands for is due to the heroic services of our men and women in uniform. I thank Christophe for his service to the United States and wish him all the best in the future.

I rise today to add my voice to those calling for the passage of H.R. 4114, which would give a cost-of-living adjustment to our disabled military veterans.

My State, New Hampshire, has one of the largest per capita veteran populations of any State in our Nation. Nearly 128,000 former servicemen and women call the Granite State home. As its name indicates, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act would provide a much-needed benefit increase, starting this December 1, for qualifying disabled veterans. It provides an increase similar to what Social Security recipients receive.

Our disabled veterans made a special sacrifice during their time in uniform, and they now live with the result of that sacrifice each and every day. Increasing their monthly benefit checks is a small price for a grateful Nation to pay. Our military Armed Forces answered the call when our country needed them most, and I believe that we must now be there for them.

I urge my colleagues to join with me in passing this important cost- of-living increase for the disabled men and women who gave so much to our country.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the non-profit Star Island Corporation for their successful restoration of the historic Gosport Regatta.

The Star Island Corporation has owned and maintained Star Island for almost 100 years. As part of the National Historic District located on the Isles of Shoals, the Corporation was desirous of re-creating a historic moment in time for the benefit of today's retreats and conferences on the island. Research into the 1875 Gosport Regatta, which was held to celebrate the opening of the Oceanic Hotel on the island, revealed that the race was won by the America, the yacht for which the America's Cup is named. The Captain and owner of the America, General Benjamin Franklin Butler, played a pivotal role in the creation of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln and the restoration of the Gosport Regatta allows for recognition of this important historical connection to the Star Island Retreat and Conference Center, on the Isles of Shoals in Rye, New Hampshire.

I commend the Board of Directors and the Staff of the Star Island Corporation for their time and efforts on this restoration, and wish you all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, on May 31, 2012 Chief David Dubois retired from the Rochester Police Department after 29 years as a law enforcement officer in that community. A native of Somersworth, New Hampshire, Chief Dubois decided from an early age to pursue a career in law enforcement based on the example of his father who also enjoyed a career as a police officer.

Chief Dubois began his career as a part-time police officer in Somersworth and became a full-time officer in Rochester in 1983. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving the community in many capacities during his tenure. In May of 2002, he was appointed Police Chief and served in that position for a decade. Throughout his career, he has been known as a community leader committed to protecting the citizens he represented and the men and women under his command. Chief Dubois has also been active in the Rochester community and has participated in many civic organizations like the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Rochester.

I want to commend Chief Dubois for his service and wish he and his family well in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mount Washington Cruises on reaching your 140th anniversary.

New Hampshire is proud to be home to some of the most beautiful sights in the Northeast. The White Mountains and Lakes Region have attracted tourists from all over the world, and the beauty and grandeur of Lake

Winnipesaukee has been shared with thousands of visitors thanks to the M/S Mount Washington.

The M/S Mount Washington is truly one of New Hampshire's greatest treasures and continues to be one of the state's leading tourist attractions in the Lakes Region and for Weirs Beach. The daily in season tours give visitors the chance to view firsthand the beauty and majesty of Lake Winnipesaukee. With the ability to hold 1250 passengers, the ``Mount'' has also been a popular venue for parties, weddings and various celebrations. Today Mount Washington Cruises is owned and operated by local individuals ensuring that this fine vessel and her operations maintain in New Hampshire and are run by New Hampshire's great citizens.

I congratulate the owners, officers and crew of the Mount Washington Cruises for their continued success and their dedication to maintain the great legacy of the M/S Mount Washington here in the Granite State. I wish you all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mount Washington Cruises on reaching your 140th anniversary.

New Hampshire is proud to be home to some of the most beautiful sights in the Northeast. The White Mountains and Lakes Region have attracted tourists from all over the world, and the beauty and grandeur of Lake Winnipesaukee has been shared with thousands of visitors thanks to the M/S Mount Washington.

The MIS Mount Washington is truly one of New Hampshire's greatest treasures and continues to be one of the State's leading tourist attractions in the Lakes Region and for Weirs Beach. The daily in season tours give visitors the chance to view firsthand the beauty and majesty of Lake Winnipesaukee. With the ability to hold 1250 passengers, the ``Mount'' has also been a popular venue for parties, weddings and various celebrations. Today Mount Washington Cruises is owned and operated by local individuals ensuring that this fine vessel and her operations maintain in New Hampshire and are run by New Hampshire's great citizens.

I congratulate the owners, officers and crew of the Mount Washington Cruises for their continued success and their dedication to maintain the great legacy of the M/S Mount Washington here in the Granite State. I wish you all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall votes No. 294 314, I am not recorded because I was absent from the U.S. House of Representatives. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: On rollcall No. 294, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 295, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 296, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 297, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 298, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 299, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 300, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 301, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 302, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 303, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 304, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 305, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 306, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 307, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 308, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 309, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 310, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 311, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 312, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 313, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 314, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mount Washington Cruises on reaching your 140th Anniversary.

New Hampshire is proud to be home to some of the most beautiful sights in the Northeast. The White Mountains and Lakes Region have attracted tourists from all over the world, and the beauty and grandeur of Lake Winnipesaukee has been shared with thousands of visitors thanks to the M/S Mount Washington.

The M/S Mount Washington is truly one of New Hampshire's greatest treasures and continues to be one of the state's leading tourist attractions in the Lakes Region and for Weirs Beach. The daily in season tours give visitors the chance to view firsthand the beauty and majesty of Lake Winnipesaukee. With the ability to hold 1250 passengers, the ``Mount'' has also been a popular venue for parties, weddings and various celebrations. Today Mount Washington Cruises is owned and operated by local individuals ensuring that this fine vessel and her operations maintain in New Hampshire and are run by New Hampshire's great citizens.

I congratulate the owners, officers and crew of the Mount Washington Cruises for their continued success and their dedication to maintain the great legacy of the M/S Mount Washington here in the Granite State. I wish you all the best for continued success in the future.