Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the town of Greenville, Maine as it celebrates its 175th anniversary on August 27, 2011.

Nestled along the edge of the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States, the Greenville community's history in Maine precedes the establishment of the State itself. Its land, originally just 6 square miles, was granted by the Massachusetts General Court to Saco Academy in 1812. After acquiring the Academy in 1824, Nathaniel Haskell joined

with Oliver Young and John Smith in clearing trees near Wilson pond. It was just over a decade later that Henry Gower built the Seboomook House, and Greenville was incorporated from the Haskell Plantation.

In many ways, the history of Greenville stands in line with much of the State. Its residents have been farmers, lumbermen and mill workers. But somewhere between the cascades of Wilson's stream and the breathtaking vistas atop Indian Hill, the town puts forth its own unique identity. As the gateway to Moosehead and the Northern Woods, Greenville attracts thousands of visitors every year to witness the International Seaplane Fly-in, to ride the ``Kate'' up the lake or to camp in Maine's storied forests.

On August 27, this small town will celebrate its birthday with a week full of events and festivities commemorating this special milestone. I am pleased to share in the celebration as Greenville looks back on 175 years of rich and varied history.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate MaineTodayMedia and the Recipients of the 2011 ``Forty under 40'' Award for Emerging Maine Leaders.

The ``Forty under 40'' Award is given annually by MaineTodayMedia to talented individuals under the age of forty who are making significant contributions to their career field and to the community at large. The award honors Maine's emerging generation of leaders by acknowledging their achievement and recognizing their potential. These fresh faces represent the future of our state as they come to fill the big shoes left by Maine's historic line of leaders.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize these distinguished individuals by name:

Wendy Ayotte, Jeff Badger, Josh Broder, Rob Brown, Kevin

Bunker, Adam Burk, Lindsay Cadawallader, Michael Carey, Eric

Conlon, Josh Davis, Gibson Fay-LeBlanc, Chelsea Fournier, Ben

Fowlie, David Gulak, Shannon Haines, Erik Hayward, David

Herring, Jr., Geoffrey Iacuessa, Drew Johnson, Charlie Longo.

Becky McKinnell, Corey Norman, Amanda O'Brien, Robert

O'Brien, Shirar Patterson, Marc Pitman, Monica Quimby, Erica

Quin-Easter, Brian Rayback, Jeremy Reynolds, Steve Sawczyn,

Matthew Siegel, MD, Andrew Sigfridson, Liz Smith, Andrew

Tenenbaum, Jesse Thompson, Scott Townsend, Jenna Vendil, Sean

Wilkinson, Megan Williams.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating all the recipients of the 2011 ``Forty under 40'' Award for Emerging Maine Leaders and in thanking MaineTodayMedia for shining the spotlight on these outstanding individuals.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of the town of Eddington, Maine, as they celebrate their community's bicentennial.

In 1784, after the close of the Revolutionary War, Colonel Jonathan Eddy was granted 9,000 acres on the east bank of the Penobscot River in appreciation of his services during the conflict. This area would later be incorporated in 1811 as the town of Eddington, becoming the 184th town in the District of Maine. Working together to clear the land, the early settlers erected buildings, planted crops and built roads. Town records over the years from the individual villages show saw and grist- mills, a post office, general stores, churches, schools and other large and small enterprises. The town of Eddington illustrates the spirit of industry and perseverance that Maine people throughout history have demonstrated in embracing the challenges and opportunities of living in our state.

Eddington has shared in many of our nation's experiences. There is evidence of the Underground Railroad, and in the Civil War, one-eighth of the total population of the town was in service. Industrialization brought railroads to neighboring towns, small factories, and electric lights. The depression hit hard as the lumber industry began to diminish and mills were relocated. The conflicts of the twentieth century called upon many Eddington residents to protect their country, state and community, but the members of this town have always risen to the challenge.

Today, the people of Eddington celebrate the bicentennial of their town filled with the same local spirit and sense of common purpose that filled the first families as they petitioned to have their community recognized. These individuals embody the hardworking people of Maine.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the people of Eddington. It is an honor and a privilege to represent them, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to help Eddington celebrate its 200th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the accomplishments of Maureen Aube of Auburn, Maine.

Maureen is the recent recipient of the Jim Phillips Award bestowed upon her by United Way of America. The Jim Phillips Award is given to an individual who exemplifies the missions, visions and values of the United Way. Jim Phillips served United Way in numerous capacities over the years: marketing committee, campaigner, board member and board chairman prior to his death in 2002. The award is now given to one whom exhibits a character of compassion that is visible throughout his or her business, personal and family life.

I have had the honor to know Maureen personally, and she more than meets these standards. The United Way of America defines community impact as ``mobilizing communities to create lasting changes in community conditions that improve lives.'' Maureen does just that. She has been a long-time volunteer with United Way, serving 4 terms on the Campaign Cabinet, as well as advocating for those in the National Guard and working on community revitalization and service projects through the Elks Club.

In addition to serving on the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, Maureen is also a volunteer for the Public Theatre, the L/A Film Festival and the Regional Plan Advisory Committee. She also serves on the Ben Hayes Support Fund Committee.

Maureen has left a lasting mark on Androscoggin County and the state of Maine. On behalf of the people of Maine, it is with pride that I congratulate Maureen for her excellent work.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Maureen Aube on the receipt of this award and in thanking her for her dedication to the people of Maine.

I have an amendment at the desk.

I rise today to offer an amendment with Mr. Kissell to ensure that no funds in this bill are spent in violation of the Berry Amendment.

The Berry Amendment requires DOD to procure certain categories of products from American manufacturers including food, clothing, fabrics, stainless steel, and certain tools. It was enacted to ensure that the United States troops wore military uniforms made in the U.S.A. and to ensure that U.S. troops were fed American-made food.

The Berry Amendment has been on the books for 70 years. Yet, in recent years, some in Congress have tried to weaken it. At a time of 9 percent unemployment and when employment in the U.S. manufacturing sector is on the decline, it is more important than ever for Congress to reiterate its support for existing law that promotes domestic procurement.

I urge my colleagues to support American manufacturing and to promote American food and uniforms for our troops by voting for the Michaud- Kissell Amendment.

At this time, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Kissell).

I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

I thank the chairman very much.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Offered By: Mr. Michaud

Amendment No. 64: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Town of Carmel, Maine as it celebrates its 200TH Anniversary.

First purchased in 1695 by Martin Kinsley of Hamden, Carmel was later founded by the Rev. Paul Ruggles, his wife Mercy and his brother Abel. The three first settlers named the town for the biblical prophet Elijah's experience on Mt. Carmel.

Located in the heart of Penobscot County, Carmel grew from 387 people at incorporation in 1811 to nearly 1,400 people by 1870. It is a town steeped in the history of Maine, growing from a small farming village into a mill town renowned for its textiles, boots and shoes.

Carmel's residents are still tied to their roots; descendents of the early settlers continue to live throughout the town. Today, Carmel continues to push ahead through new challenges. The town boasts nearly 2,800 residents, a far cry from its founding. While the two dozen school houses that were a fixture of the community have been replaced with homes, businesses and the Simpson Memorial Library, Carmel continues to look toward the future with a sense of possibility.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the town of Carmel, Maine on its 200th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program as it celebrates its 30th Anniversary.

For the past 30 years, the Senior Companion Program has paired homebound elderly citizens with dedicated Senior Companions, age 55 and older, who enable these citizens to live longer in their own homes. The program serves 606 Maine citizens in 14 of the state's 16 counties. Having logged an astounding 85,000 hours of volunteer time, the program's 130 companions give both independence and support to Maine seniors.

With an aging population, Maine is increasingly in need of support systems for its older citizens. Many seniors do not have relatives close by, leaving them on their own without help for household tasks, errands or basic companionship. The dedicated volunteers from the Senior Companion Program are there to aid seniors in their day-to-day lives so that these seniors are able to remain in their own homes and improve their quality of life.

The Senior Companion Program provides many Maine seniors with the support and friendship all people need and deserve. The care and dedication of the program's volunteers is nothing short of amazing, and the program helps not only with essential tasks, but also offers the opportunity to foster meaningful relationships between seniors and volunteers.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program on this joyous occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great voice for labor, a great Mainer and most importantly, a great friend, Ken Morgan.

For 35 years, Ken worked at the AFL-CIO fighting for the rights of Maine's hard-working men and women. As a union brother of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1837, Ken believed that united in solidarity, we could all move our society forward.

In the late 1960s, Ken's principles led him to refuse his doctorate from Northwestern University because of a dispute regarding the extension of civil rights based upon sexual orientation. Ken carried this strong commitment to justice and solidarity into all aspects of his life and was a trail blazer in the civil rights community. During his long career, Ken served as a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, was an award-winning member of the Maine Gay and Lesbian Political Alliance and a member of the Board of Directors of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. These are only a few of the many organizations Ken was involved with, all of which worked to help those who might otherwise be forgotten.

However, Ken is best remembered by his friends and family as a great man, with a mind that was deep, broad and keen. His heart was huge. He was a gentle soul who leaves a huge void and who so richly filled the lives of his many friends and family. Above all, Ken was a loving friend, mentor, brother, son and partner.

On the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, President Obama declared, ``Dr. King once said that the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice. It bends towards justice, but here is the thing: it does not bend on its own. It bends because each of us in our own ways put our hand on that arc . . .'' Ken's work and life embodied this active engagement with our nation's, and our world's, struggle to be a place of equality and freedom.

Ken leaves behind his partner of more than three decades, Rick Strout, his brother Charles, his sister-in-law Jerie, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering a great American, Ken Morgan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Claudette Violette of Lewiston, ME, on her graduation after having earned her

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John Murphy, President and CEO of the Maine Credit Union League, on his induction into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders.

For nearly two decades, John has served as President and CEO of the Maine Credit Union League. He has worked diligently on the behalf of credit unions for even longer. I have had multiple opportunities to work with John on the issues that impact his members and, as a result, the people and the economy of Maine, and I have always found him to be a dedicated and thoughtful advocate.

The Credit Union National Association inducted John into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders because he has shown a unique level of commitment to ensuring that these vital community institutions are able to continue serving the individuals and small businesses that make up their customer base. His name will be on permanent display to the thousands of individuals that visit the Credit Union House each year. John is the first inductee from the State of Maine, and I cannot think of a more appropriate individual.

It has been an honor to work with John in the past, and I have no doubt that this recognition in the Hall of Leaders will inspire him to continue his advocacy on behalf of credit unions and the people they serve. I know that the sixty-four credit unions in Maine, as well as their 613,000 members, greatly appreciate John as a resource and as their representative fighting for the issues that matter to them.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring John Murphy and congratulating him on his induction into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the leaders of the United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, to allow for Taiwan's meaningful participation.

As climate change continues to impact our world and as we face the prospect of dwindling oil reserves, Taiwan's renewable-energy section is growing rapidly. Taiwan has invested heavily in turbines generating electricity, use of alternatives to fossil fuels and possibilities of harnessing energy from the ocean. Taiwan is also the fourth largest producer of solar cells in the world.

Moreover, Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration, EPA, is doing everything possible to promote environmental sustainability. For instance, Taiwan has made significant strides in waste management, with the nation's overall recycling rate reaching almost 42 percent in 2008.

Improving air quality, reducing noise pollution and vehicular emissions and protecting wildlife are also top priorities for the government and people of Taiwan. Taiwan is totally committed to protecting the environment and reducing pollution. But due to political factors, Taiwan is not a UNFCCC contracting party. Instead, they are considered a non-governmental organization observer under the name Industrial Technology Research Institute and are not permitted to participate in either the discussions over the post-Kyoto mechanism or the international carbon market.

I hope that the UNFCCC leaders will see the wisdom of Taiwan's need to participate in the UNFCCC and the post-Kyoto mechanism, especially considering that Taiwan and its environment are vulnerable to climate change and need to avoid the negative impacts on its economy and trade. Taiwan is an important part of the world economy and should be able to provide direct input to the UNFCCC, and I would ask the UNFCCC leaders to allow meaningful participation from Taiwan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Muriel Scott, the President and CEO of the Central Maine Area Agency on Aging, better known as Spectrum Generations. For more than three decades, Muriel has been dedicated to building a strong agency to serve central Maine's elderly population.

Muriel has always believed in the importance of seniors' exercising their own independence. For decades, Muriel has worked to support policies and initiatives that make it easier for seniors to live in their own homes and lead their own lives.

Muriel's hard work and dedication expanded Spectrum Generations to seven community center locations in central Maine. She first joined Spectrum in 1976 as the Director for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and Muriel would serve as Nutrition Director before rising to the position of Associate Director in 1979.

Under Muriel's leadership, Spectrum became a leader in ensuring community access

to these services in multiple, convenient locations. Her achievements in Maine led her to national success, serving as a delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging and a Board member of the National Association of Area Agencies.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Muriel Scott on her retirement after 34 years of dedication to Maine's elderly.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Wellehan, the Vice President of Maine's Lamey-Wellehan's shoe stores and the 2011 Auburn Business Association Citizen of the Year Award.

Jim is an exceptional businessman, helping to win Lamey-Wellehan the Boston Shoe Travelers Association award for 2011 Retailer of the Year. More importantly, Jim's commitment to a quality product goes hand in hand with helping to build a quality community.

Jim is committed to the environment, already having cut carbon emissions at Lamey-Wellehan by 23 percent and is on pace to achieve his company's ultimate goal of a 50 percent reduction by 2020. It's no coincidence that among the many honors that Jim has received is the 2007 Maine Sierra Club Business of the Year.

In recent years, Jim has served on the Lewiston Planning Board, the Board of Overseers at St. Joseph's College, the Board of the Finance Authority of Maine, President of the Board of the Lewiston Auburn Occupational Center, a member of the Maine Small Business Coalition and a youth soccer league coach.

There are few individuals more deserving of this award than Jim. His commitment to his state, community and customers is unprecedented, and I am pleased that he is being recognized.

Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in honoring Jim Wellehan, the 2011 recipient of the Auburn Business Association Good Citizen Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the 2011 MaineBiz Business Leaders of the Year Award. Each year, MaineBiz highlights the most outstanding businessmen and women helping to move Maine's business community forward. This year's honorees, Fletcher Kittredge, Martin Grimnes and Andy Shepard are among the best that Maine has to offer.

Fletcher Kittredge is CEO of Great Works Internet, GWI. In 17 years, GWI has grown from a small dial-up Internet company for one Maine community to a statewide Internet company with more than 50 locations. Fletcher has also been instrumental in the Three Ring Binder project, which has begun utilizing funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand broadband service throughout rural Maine.

Martin Grimnes is the example of a true success story. After leaving his $50 million dollar composites corporation in 2000, Martin is now at the helm of Harbor Technologies. In just a few years, Harbor Technologies has performed outstanding work on contracts like the new 103-foot composite pilings for use by the Navy in Pearl Harbor. With a product estimated to last 150 years, Harbor is now expanding overseas. Despite the company's overseas work, Martin is ensuring that Harbor Technologies remains based in Maine.

Andy Shepard, from my district, knows how badly northern rural Maine needs economic development. In only a few years since forming the non- profit Maine Winter Sports Center, Andy has helped to bring Olympic Trials, trainers and the World Cup Biathlon to northern Maine. This has contributed to millions in revenue for the northern part of my state.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring some of the best business leaders that Maine and America have to offer. In addition to their success in the private sector, Fletcher Kittredge, Martin Grimnes and Andy Shepard have remained committed to their local communities and used their entrepreneurial skills to develop economic opportunities throughout Maine.