Floor Statements

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

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.

Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

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. 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Dr. Theodora J. Kalikow on the occasion of her retirement as President of the University of Maine at Farmington.

Since Dr. Kalikow's arrival at the University of Maine at Farmington in 1994, the university has gained national recognition as one of America's top public liberal arts colleges and is a superior model of educational excellence and academic opportunity.

As President, Dr. Kalikow has overseen the addition of many new degree programs and has presided over the construction of new campus facilities, including a community arts center, an education center, and a residence hall. She has also focused on expanding student opportunities for internships and undergraduate research.

Another of Dr. Kalikow's notable accomplishments at UMF has been her tireless pursuit of high environmental sustainability standards. Under her leadership, the University of Maine at Farmington is now recognized as one of America's ``Top Green Colleges'' by the Princeton Review. Dr. Kalikow's environmental efforts earned her the Green Building Leadership Award from the Maine Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council in 2007.

Dr. Kalikow has received recognition within the state of Maine for her contributions to the community of Farmington and to the state at large. In 2001, she was inducted into the Maine Women's Hall of Fame. She has also been the recipient of the University of Maine's Maryann Hartman Award and the University of New England's Deborah Morton Award.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Theodora J. Kalikow for her many years of dedication and service to the state of Maine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of Fort Kent, and the surrounding communities, who responded so admirably to the massive fire in downtown Fort Kent.

In the early morning of March 25, 2012, a massive fire erupted in Fort Kent, Maine destroying several downtown buildings and damaging local businesses. Although these buildings contained numerous apartments, there was mercifully no loss of life. That is because of the heroic efforts of eight local fire departments, the Fort Kent Police, and a town employee who first spotted the flames.

Tenants living on the second floor of the Nadeau's House of Furniture building were evacuated with only minutes to spare as the fire quickly spread. The heat was strong enough to damage businesses located across the street and melt nearby street signs. Moreover, it took thousands of gallons of water, pumped from the St. John River, to finally quell the flames.

The heroism of the Fort Kent Volunteer Fire Department and fire crews from St. Agatha, Frenchville, Madawaska, North Lakes, Eagle Lake, St. Francois, New Brunswick and Clair, New Brunswick cannot be overstated. Neither can the bravery of Matt Bard who first alerted authorities, Tony Enerva and Richard Martin of the Fort Kent Police Department who were among the first on the scene, the Fort Kent Ambulance Service, or the scores of others who helped avert an even greater tragedy.

I am grateful to the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army for providing such immediate relief to the displaced families. I am also extremely heartened by the outpouring of support that has come from the Fort Kent community. Local business leaders have already launched a fundraising campaign to further assist those who lost their belongings in the fire. I know that their combined strength will bring the town through this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring all the heroes who responded to the Fort Kent fire.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorees of the 2012 Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner. The Mid- Maine Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the greater Waterville area, working with the business community to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state.

Each year, the Mid-Maine Chamber recognizes some of the outstanding businesses and individuals that make Maine ``the way life should be'' for all Mainers and Maine businesses. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity and prosperity in Maine.

This year's award recipients include Gil Pelletier, recipient of the Distinguished Community Service Award; Central Maine Disposal, Business of the Year; Pamela Kick of Pinnacle IT, Business Person of the Year; Dr. Barbara Covey of the MaineGeneral SAFE Program, Outstanding Professional of the Year; the Waterville Public Library, Community Service Project of the Year; Bruce Harrington of the Bank of Maine, ``Rising Star'' Award; and Darla Frost of Kennebec Federal Savings, the Customer Service Stardom 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 in congratulating the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4105. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their efforts in bringing this bill before this body. Passing this bill will ensure that the Commerce Department has the authority to apply tariffs on illegally subsidized goods from China and other nonmarket economies.

For the State of Maine, passing this bill will protect the countervailing and anti-dumping duties in place on coated paper imports from China. From 2002 to 2009, China provided more than $33 billion in subsidies, many of them illegal, to the paper sector. As a result, China overtook the United States as the world's largest producer of paper and paper products. This growth in Beijing's paper sector hits Maine's mills hard.

Since 2008, Maine workers from both Sappi Fine and NewPage companies have become eligible for trade adjustment assistance after they were laid off as a result of increased foreign imports. But after countervailing and anti-dumping duties were applied to paper imports from China, one mill

hired 100 employees. This is just one example of how much of a difference countervailing duties can make for an American company having to compete against illegally subsidized Chinese goods.

H.R. 4105 will ensure that countervailing duties can continue to be applied to illegally subsidized goods from all countries, including China. This bill is critical to ensuring that our American businesses compete on a level playing field, and I urge all my colleagues to vote for it. And I want to once again thank the chairman and the ranking member for their efforts in bringing this bill forward. It's always good to be on the same side as the chair and the ranking member.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bertrand David Mathieu of Lewiston, Maine for his decades of work in Maine's shoe industry.

Bert was born in 1922 in Lewiston, Maine. By the time he was sixteen years old, he had already started working with heavy industrial equipment in a shoe factory. Bert earned his place in the ``Greatest Generation'' when he answered the call to service during World War II. Originally joining the Maine National Guard in 1939, he would go on to serve in the European theater and fight in the Battle of the Bulge.

After the war, Bert returned to the shoe manufacturing career that would be a part of his life for more than seven decades. With little formal training, he mastered his craft by listening, asking questions and vigilantly researching the technical aspects of the job. A committed family man, Bert also repaired televisions on the side for nearly fifty years in order to help pay for the schooling of his daughters.

I've always known that Mainers are of sturdy stock, and I strongly suspect that our healthy Maine air and peaceful surroundings have something to do with it. Today at the age of 90, Bert still displays the hard work, creativity and ingenuity which have sustained him throughout his life. You can still find him working at Pamco Shoe Machinery in Lewiston, sorting and organizing machine parts. His energy and his positive attitude remain an inspiration to all who know him.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing Bertrand David Mathieu for his many years of good work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lorraine Brown of Leeds, Maine for her years of work in the shoe industry.

Born in 1933, Lorraine grew up with her three siblings between Auburn and Lewiston. Her father had passed away when she was still very young, and as a result Lorraine was primarily raised by her mother, her grandmother and her aunts. At the age of 15, she and her girlfriends started working in the shoe industry to pay for a set of roller skates. Lorraine met her future husband on those roller skates at the Beacon Roller Rink on Park Street.

Lorraine has spent over 50 years in the shoe industry, stitching for Koss, Hammon, Eastland, LL Bean, Knapp, and most recently, Falcon shoes. In a 2010 interview for the Shoe Industry Oral History Project, Lorraine tells the story of what it was like to work for these companies with a particular focus on the people in her life. Whether it was a childhood friend who never missed a birthday card, a boss who lent her his car because they used to skate together, or the new friendships she forged with her coworkers, it is clear that Lorraine has been a special person to a great many individuals.

Before he passed away, Lorraine's husband told her to keep working so she wouldn't go ``downhill''. Today, she is still stitching fire boots for Falcon Shoes, a company she has been with since the birth of her great granddaughter. Through good times and bad, Lorraine's kindness and energy have been an inspiration to the whole community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing Lorraine Brown for her years of work in the shoe industry.