Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the bicentennial of the town Phillips, Maine. Two hundred years ago, local families petitioned the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the right to become a township and determine their future. Phillips was incorporated on February 25, 1812.

At the time of its incorporation, Phillips was home to more than 50 families. With all the advantages the Sandy River and its valley offered, the town quickly grew and the people of Phillips established a community which flourished. Among other things, Phillips is especially known as being the birthplace of Cornelia ``Fly Rod'' Crosby, Maine's first registered guide, as well as being the headquarters and hub of the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad.

Today, the more than 1,000 proud residents of Phillips celebrate the bicentennial of their town filled with the same spirit and sense of common purpose that filled the founding families as they petitioned to have their community recognized. These individuals embody the hardworking people of Maine who throughout our history have embraced the challenges and opportunities of living in our state.

It is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Phillips, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to help this community celebrate its 200th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing all the citizens of Phillips well on this joyous occasion.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the STOCK Act. I regret having to miss a vote on this significant legislation, but I had to return to Maine to attend a family funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted for the House Amendment to S. 2038.

These commonsense rules will help ensure that no member of Congress profits from the nonpublic information they receive in their official capacity. The voters in our districts sent us here to work hard on their behalf. It is simply wrong that anyone would consider using insider information he or she gains while working for his or her constituents to make investment decisions.

Faith in Washington is at an all time low. Unfortunately, the STOCK Act is only a small step towards restoring the public's trust in their elected officials. However, it is an important step that will help hold every one of us more accountable.

I was proud to join two hundred eighty-four of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle as a cosponsor of the original House version of the STOCK Act. I am hopeful that this strong show of bipartisanship can continue on the other important issues that face our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipients of the 2012 Annual Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards. For years, the Chamber has been at the forefront of business networking and development across 12 towns in the Newport, Pittsfield and Dexter areas.

Each year, the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses, business leaders, and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy economic environment. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity and prosperity in Maine.

This year's award recipients include George and Linda Lougee for the Joyce Packard Community Spirit Award and C.M. Almy and Sons Inc. for the Business of the Year for 2012. Since they first came to Newport in 1999, the Lougees have devoted themselves to helping the area flourish. Their efforts to arrange Sparkle, the Chamber's and the Region's largest fund raiser, have generated $78,000 for local organizations over the last six years. Additionally, C.M. Almy and Sons Inc. has manufactured church vestments, furnishing, and accessories since 1892. This third-generation family owned business is being recognized for community support in the region.

These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and to Sebasticook Valley, Maine is a better place to live and to do business.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

I am in its current form.

Mr. Speaker, I am hoping today we will see a rare bipartisan moment here in the House when both sides can come together in support of our veterans.

The final amendment I'm offering here today will exempt certain VA facilities from the decommissioning process outlined in the legislation today. It will not kill this bill or even delay its passage. If it's adopted, my amendment will incorporate into the bill and the bill will be immediately voted upon.

I agree with my friends across the aisle that we need to address government waste, especially in this fiscal environment. I can understand why it makes sense to target the poor management and underutilization of government properties to reduce government waste, but I don't think our desire to address these issues should come at the expense of our veterans.

The underlying bill already includes plenty of exemptions to the CPRA process, namely for bases, camps, or stations under jurisdiction of DOD. It seems to me that if the bill already excludes buildings from the consolidation process because our troops rely on them, we should also exclude the buildings for our veterans because they rely on those buildings also.

As ranking member of the VA Health Subcommittee, I've heard testimony after testimony from veterans about the difficulties they face in accessing all the VA health services they need. The VA already provides health care to approximately 7.8 million veterans. As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down, more and more of the 2.3 million soldiers from those wars will start to seek care from the Veterans Administration.

DOD says that nearly 45,000 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have been wounded in action. Even this high number grossly underestimates the number of wounded soldiers who rely on the VA system for health care because of unseen wounds like PTSD, TBI, etc. We can't consider shutting down VA facilities when the need to help our heroes is increasing.

In addition to health care needs, these soldiers will need help finding jobs. The veterans unemployment rate was more than 15 percent in January of 2011. It's great news that it fell 6 percent over the last year, but at 9 percent, it's still above the national average. That is why we have to ensure that the VA's ability to provide career

services to returning soldiers isn't undermined.

We don't know exactly when, where, or how these veterans will try to access the system, or whether they will be able to access PTSD treatment or to find a job, but we should not jeopardize their ability to do so by subjecting the VA to the same consolidation process as other Federal agencies. If this bill exempts DOD facilities, it should also exempt VA facilities.

Even GAO, whose analysis was used to justify this underlying legislation, cites the unique needs of the VA given the increasing demands that our returning troops will put on the system. As a result of an aging veteran population and a growing number of younger veterans returning from the military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, GAO found that, ``budgeting for the VA's vital health care mission is inherently complex. It is based on current assumptions and imperfect information, not only about program needs, but also on future economic and policy actions that may affect demand and the cost of providing these services.'' This means that a one-size-fits-all approach for consolidation of government property does not work for the VA.

There are a couple of other reasons why the VA should be exempt from this bill. First, the VA has already recognized that it needs to upgrade, modernize, and realign its property portfolio to provide accessible and cost-effective services. In fact, they've been working on that since 1999. In 2008, GAO said the Department has reduced its underutilized space over 4 years by nearly two-thirds.

Second, GAO has found that 66 percent of VA's underutilized and vacant buildings are historic properties or eligible for historic designation and require more effort for disposal.

I applaud the other side for looking for ways to cut government spending; and there are, clearly, improvements to be made in the area of Federal properties. But we can't pursue the goal of reducing government spending at the expense of our veterans.

In Congress, we frequently mention how grateful we are for our troops, and we often talk about the need to make sure that no veteran is left behind. Well, I'm offering the final amendment on this bill to make sure that we leave no veteran behind.

On behalf of our heroes, they deserve our commitment. I urge my colleagues to support the final amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Laurent ``Larry'' Veilleux, a man who devoted his life to his family and to his community.

A veteran of World War II, Larry's lifelong commitment to public service was only beginning when he returned home from the war. After completing his assignment in the U.S. Navy, Larry worked to obtain an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and to enroll himself in the FBI Academy. The Lewiston Police department was fortunate enough to draw on Larry's courage and dedication to his community. By the time he retired as a Deputy Police Chief, he was a local fixture and beloved within the community.

Larry never stopped giving back to his friends, colleagues and neighbors. He found time to be an active member of the Retired Police Chief Association, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Lion's Club, and the Augusta Calumet Club. He was a former member of St. Joseph's Church and was most recently a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Auburn. Larry valued his roots in the community and was particularly proud of his induction into the Lewiston-Auburn Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1942 Lewiston High School State Champion Hockey team.

It is truly remarkable that one man could have such a positive impact on the lives of so many people. Larry is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Larry was born November 21, 1923 and passed on January 30, 2012. He was 88 years old.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Larry for his public service and allow me to extend my deepest condolences to Larry's family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association MOFGA on their 40 year anniversary.

Committed to the Maine tradition of local, family owned agricultural businesses which produce some of the healthiest agricultural goods available, Abby McMillen began organizing membership for what would become MOFGA in 1971. The organization initially served as a forum where organic growers could learn from each other and perfect their trade. By 1972, MOFGA was certifying organic farms using standards laid out by Rodale Organic Garden. Today, the association has grown to include 6,000 members and nearly 350 certified farms.

MOFGA is also one of the most active groups in the state. The association runs numerous educational, apprenticeship, and charitable programs that connect Maine's organic growers with each other and communities around the world. Their quarterly published news paper, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, is one of the nation's leading information sources on organic agriculture and sustainable living practices. What's more, the annual Common Ground County Fair hosted by MOFGA has become one of the state's most anticipated events each year. Thousands of people are drawn to the town of Unity from all over the country to enjoy live entertainment and meet with local farmers, vendors and artisans.

MOFGA has demonstrated itself to be an invaluable resource for Maine growers and consumers who are interested in learning about healthy food and environmentally friendly farming methods. These agricultural practices are beneficial to public health, the environment and Maine's economy. Additionally, the association annually reviews farms and food processors to ensure that food labeled as organic truly lives up to that standard.

I wish MOFGA continued success in working with farmers, gardeners and families all across Maine to promote healthier and more nutritious eating options.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association on the 40th anniversary of its founding.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to instruct conferees at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 4 minutes to the gentlelady from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

The reason why I offered this motion is to protect unemployment insurance for the millions of jobless Americans that qualify for it.

At the end of the last session, the House considered H.R. 3630, a bill that would extend the payroll tax cuts as well as the unemployment insurance. Unfortunately, the bill also included provisions that would undermine the unemployment insurance program as we know it today.

While I disagree with many of these provisions, my motion to instruct focuses on one particular provision: the provision would roll back a requirement that States must spend all unemployment funds solely on unemployment benefits.

Now, I know that there might be some who disagree with the size of the unemployment program and how many weeks individuals should be able to get their unemployment benefits. But I think we can all agree that money intended to help the unemployed make ends meet while they're looking for work should not be used for something else.

There are several reasons why maintaining the integrity of the unemployment program makes sense.

First, there are still more than 13 million Americans out of work as a result of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. These Americans rely on unemployment benefits to feed their families and pay the rent until they can find another job.

To allow States to use these funds intended to support these families for programs could result in those who have lost their jobs to receive a benefit that does not help them make ends meet and would be useless.

Some might argue that this provision will give States more flexibility to implement the unemployment program. I strongly support giving States the flexibility to implement national policies in a way that makes sense to some of the States, but there's already a great flexibility in the unemployment insurance program.

States already choose and adjust employers' tax rates, benefit levels, and duration and eligibility criteria. This provision goes too far and jeopardizes unemployment benefits themselves, and it won't help the millions of unemployed Americans get back to work.

Second, unemployment benefits help individuals find other jobs. According to CBO, extension of unemployment insurance benefits in the past few years increased both employment and participation in the labor force over what they would have been otherwise.

Recent research from the Brookings Institute concluded that unemployment insurance does not increase the time that people remain unemployed. They found that unemployment benefits may actually keep more people in the labor force through its requirement that beneficiaries seek work.

The fact is unemployment benefits remain a crucial resource for American workers who lost their jobs as a result of the Great Recession and not because of their job performance.

Using unemployment insurance funding for any purpose other than unemployment benefits for struggling families simply makes no sense.

Third, unemployment benefits stimulate the economy. CBO identified increasing aid to the unemployed as one of the policies that would have the largest effect on output in employment and therefore trigger economic growth. That's because individuals who receive

unemployment benefits don't put it in their savings account. They spend that money on things like putting food on the table for their families.

If we divert money from the unemployment program, this economic stimulus effort will be lost, and our economic recovery will be even slower than it is now.

I think it is important to remind ourselves that the unemployment benefits are given to eligible individuals who have previously had a job but have lost it for reasons out of their control.

During the Great Recession, millions of Americans were given pink slips. Even now, our economy has started to show small signs of recovery, but there are certain areas in Maine's labor market where the unemployment rate is more than 20 percent. These families aren't going on vacations or buying luxury cars. They're spending all of their money in their savings accounts, emptying their 401(k)s and simply doing without. They need unemployment benefits to help them stay afloat and to help them find a job.

My motion simply instructs conferees to take out this harmful provision so that we can ensure that the unemployment funding is spent on unemployment benefits.

In this environment of reining in government spending and making sure taxpayers' dollars are used effectively, I think it makes sense to make sure that the unemployment benefits cannot be spent on some other program that won't help families or the economy like the unemployment insurance.

So I urge my colleagues to support this motion to ensure that the unemployment benefits continue to go to Americans who lost their jobs and are trying to get back on their feet.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. Speaker, I agree with part of the comments that the gentleman made. People do not want to sit home and collect a paycheck. They want to go to work. Some people definitely have to be trained for jobs. There is nothing in my motion that prevents States from offering training programs. Nothing in my motion will prevent States from encouraging people to get their GED. States have the flexibility to establish these programs on their own. My motion to instruct simply says that the benefits that were collected by the employers for unemployment benefits will have to be used for unemployment benefits. They cannot be used for training programs. They cannot be used to help subsidize businesses to pay for these employees. They have to be used for unemployment benefits.

This motion to instruct is important because if you look at my home State of Maine, there are more than 48,000 Mainers out of work. And I want to read a letter from one of my constituents whose story illustrates why its critical that unemployment benefits go to those who need them, not for some alternative program. The other alternative programs that I heard about earlier this evening, States can do that on their own. The only difference is they cannot use unemployment benefits.

I would like to read this letter from my constituent: ``I just became a ninety-niner, as those of us who have exhausted our unemployment benefits are called. Though some in Congress and the media think we comprise the bottom-feeders that the business creators needed to shed, this is not always the case.

``I have worked hard ever since I was a kid in East Millinocket doing odd jobs for my father, peddling newspapers. I went into the Army and benefited from the Vietnam-era GI Bill, and since have been glad to give back in the form of higher taxes for many years.

``In 2009, my former company moved to California and laid me and hundreds of others off, despite my having earned superior performance reviews for most of my years with them. To their credit, we were given outplacement service and a decent severance package.

``Nonetheless, I have since tried to find employment in my field, but find myself being screened out by junior human resource people who find me overqualified, too senior and/or too highly compensated for the job at hand. I am certain that some of this is ageism, which, though illegal, is still quietly sanctioned in this society. And now we face companies brazenly telling us that we need not apply if we have been out of work for more than 6 months.

``Please show some compassion for those of us who become unemployed through no fault of our own and who still hope to join the tax-paying ranks once again.''

This constituent of mine relies on unemployment benefits not because he wants to or because he's lazy, but because he can't find a job. As I mentioned, some labor markets in the State of Maine have over 20 percent unemployment. He is the reason I'm offering this motion to instruct today to ensure that the unemployment insurance program is preserved for Americans like him.

It requires that unemployment benefits will be used for those unemployed. The States have the flexibility to determine eligibility, the length, and the amount. They have that flexibility. So I urge my colleagues to vote for this motion to instruct and protect unemployment benefits for what they were intended for--for those who are unemployed--and not to help subsidize other programs that States might decide to create.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, under rule XXII, clause 7(c), I hereby announce my intention to offer a motion to instruct on H.R. 3630, the conference report to extend the payroll tax, unemployment insurance, and SGR payments for doctors.

The form of the motion is as follows:

Mr. Michaud moves that the managers on the part of the

House at the conference on the disagreeing votes of the two

Houses on the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 3630 be

instructed to recede from section 2123 of the House bill,

relating to allowing a waiver of requirements under section

3304(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including a

requirement that all money withdrawn from the unemployment

fund of the State shall be used solely in the payment of

unemployment compensation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to welcome Reverend Kate Braestrup to the House of Representatives.

In 1996, Kate's husband, Maine State Police Trooper James ``Drew'' Griffith, was tragically killed in a car accident while on duty. At the time of his death, Drew was beginning to prepare to become a Universalist Unitarian minister. Kate decided to pursue Drew's dream and began attending the Bangor Theological Seminary in 1997. She was ordained in 2004.

Since 2001, Kate has served as the chaplain for the Maine Warden Service, providing counsel for the families of loved ones lost in Maine's wilderness. An accomplished writer and minister, Kate has authored several books, including the national best seller ``Here If You Need Me.''

Kate is a true asset to our State. Her remarkable devotion to helping others has made her an invaluable public servant and a beloved member of the community.

It is my honor to welcome Reverend Braestrup to the House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Nancy B. Kelleher of Scarborough, Maine, on the occasion of her retirement as AARP's Maine State Director.

Maine has the highest median age in the United States, and our state's seniors depend on a strong advocate for the issues that matter most to them: greater access to affordable health care and financial security. Since 2008, Nancy Kelleher has served Maine's 228,000 AARP members as State Director, spearheading legislative efforts to provide protection for Maine seniors on issues such as access to affordable health care and prescription drugs, predatory lending and homeowner protections, funding for home care services, and the repeal of the older worker penalty.

Prior to joining AARP, Nancy worked in the Speaker's Office of the House of Representatives, where she coordinated administrative and policy issues for three Speakers, and was named Chief of Staff to Speaker Steven Rowe. Nancy also served as the Deputy Secretary of State for Corporations, Elections & Commissions for former Secretary of State, Dan Gwadosky, and as the Director of the Division of Community Services, a cabinet level position under former Governor Joseph E. Brennan.

Nancy is a leader in her community. She serves on and volunteers for several health-related groups, amongst which are the Elder Abuse Task Force of Maine, the Stakeholders Group on Health INFONet, the Maine Health Management Coalition and the Aligning Forces for Quality Project. Her contributions are not limited to just health issues. Nancy volunteers for and has served as the President of the Scarborough Public Library Board of Trustees. Her additional interests include helping women and families with housing issues. Most recently she has worked with American Friends, a group that assists recent refugees to adjust to life in America. In 2002, she was named a YWCA Woman of Achievement.

She and her husband, Edward, live in Scarborough, Maine and are the proud grandparents of four. I wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Nancy B. Kelleher for her life-long dedication and service to the people of Maine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipients of the 2012 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 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, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.; Employee of the Year, Ted Moccia, Principal of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School; Rising Star of the Year, Mitch and Judy Green of Crazy Horse Racing Parts and Engines. Additionally, Connie Allen, Jean Delmater, Karen Ellis, Doreen Tibbetts, Carlene Treadwell, Wendy Williams, and John Williams of Right Start 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. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorees of the 2012 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 John Bragg of N.H Bragg, recipient of the Norbert X. Dowd Award; Habib Dagher of the University of Maine, recipient of the Catherine Lebowitz Award for Public Service; Nelson Durgin, recipient of the Arthur A. Comstock Professional Service Award; Sutherland Weston Marking Communications, recipient of the Bion and Dorain Foster Entrepreneurship Award; Cross Insurance, recipient of the Business of the Year Award; Bill Lucy and Peoples United Bank, recipient of the Community Service Award; Maine Discovery Museum, recipient of the Non-Profit of the Year Award; Bangor Greendrinks, recipient of the FLAVA (Fusion Leadership and Vision Award); and Husson Hospitality Program, recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award.

These nine recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to the communities and 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. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding recipients of the 2012 Annual Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards. The Kennebec Valley Chamber serves the people of Maine's Capital Region with distinction, working every day to strengthen and develop economic and community opportunity throughout the Kennebec Valley and the entire State.

Every year, the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce honors some of the outstanding businesses individuals that are doing their part to make Maine a better place to work and live. These Mainers are to be commended for their outstanding service and commitment to growing the economy in the Capital Region.

This year's award recipients include the Pine State Trading Co., Business of the Year; John V. Finnegan, Business Person of the Year; and William H. Perry, Lifetime Achievement Award. Recipients of the President's Award include Keltie McCatherin Collins, Kennebec Dance Centre; John Reny, Renys Department Store; and Steve Barrows, Steve's Appliance Service and Sales. Community Service Awards recipients include Judy Lloyd, Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center; and, Carolyn Neighoff, currently a service learning mentor in Augusta. Tobias Parkhurst of Oakes & Parkhurst Glass earned the Young Professional Award.

These individuals and the business they represent are some of the best that Maine has to offer, and are stellar examples of the quality of people and businesses that serve as the economic and cultural engine of the Capital Area. They are to be commended for their meritorious service to their community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the recipients of the 2012 Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards on their outstanding achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary recipients of the 2012 Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Awards. The Androscoggin Chamber has an outstanding record of creating and providing opportunities that promote economic and community growth in the communities that make up the heart of Central Maine.

Every year, the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce honors some of the outstanding individuals that work hard each and every day to make the Lewiston/Auburn region a better place to do business. Their efforts to strengthen opportunity and prosperity in Maine are remarkable, and the whole community benefits from the example of their success.

This year's award recipients include Agren Appliance and Baxter Brewing, Business Leadership Awards; Steve Closson of Androscoggin Bank, the Ray Geiger Award; L/A Cash Coalition and L/A Art Walk, Community Service Awards; Pike Industries, the Poland Business Award; Auburn Chief of Police and Acting City Manager Phil Crowell, the Public Service Leadership Award; Healthy Androscoggin, the Education Award; Industrial Roofing, the Cool Chamber Award; Lewiston Career Center, the Ken Addition Award for Business Advocacy; Center Street Dental, New Member of the Year; and, Northeastern Charter and Tours, and the Library Cafe, President's Awards.

These businesses, individuals, and organizations are among the very best that the Androscoggin County region has to offer. Thanks to the contributions of this year's award winners, Androscoggin County is a great place to work and live. I wish them all continued success going forward.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the recipients of the 2012 Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sgt. Timothy K. Gilboe on being awarded the Silver Star for his heroic action in Afghanistan.

In 2006, Sgt. Gilboe left his home in Jackman, Maine to serve in the Army. After enlisting, Sgt. Gilboe showed outstanding qualities as a soldier, earning him membership to the 4th Brigade's Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk. Eventually, he was sent to Afghanistan.

On April 28th, 2011, insurgents opened fire on Gilboe's platoon, wounding the leader and squad leader. Sgt. Gilboe returned fire while suppressing the flames that ignited on a comrade's backpack. When an insurgent ran towards him with a rifle, an unarmed Sgt. Gilboe

physically arrested the belligerent, despite gun-shot wounds he had sustained to his leg. After a fellow soldier was able to neutralize the insurgent, Sgt. Gilboe delayed medical treatment to help secure the area and aid his wounded comrades.

There is no question that that Sgt. Gilboe's actions saved the lives of his comrades that day. His remarkable heroism and devotion to his fellow soldiers are an inspiration to all that know him or have heard his story. Beyond the great honor of the Silver Star, our nation owes Sgt. Gilboe our everlasting thanks and appreciation. I am proud and greatly humbled to stand here today and honor such an individual.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Sgt. Timothy Gilboe for his incredible heroism.