Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman for yielding 1 minute.

The Debbie Smith Act provides State and local agencies funding to combat serious crimes such as rape, sexual assault, and murder. I would like to thank Congressman Nadler and Congresswoman Maloney for their leadership on this very important issue. Our amendment will fully fund this valuable program.

Each untested DNA sample represents a missed chance to keep these violent offenders off our streets. In one case in California, a repeat sex offender raped a woman. Before the test could be processed by the State crime lab, the perpetrator attacked two additional women and a child as well. In Maine we have a backlog of over 4,000 samples that need to be analyzed. Without additional funding many of our cold cases will go unsolved and this backlog will continue.

I urge my colleagues to support this very important amendment.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

The Lobster Institute CORE initiative is a tremendous, worthwhile project that helps sustain a vital industry in the State of Maine. This resource is vital to maintaining the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of people. In order to maintain an important part of our economy, we must continue to monitor the resource, in part so that we do not overfish.

In Maine alone, more than 40,000 jobs depend on the health of this industry. In all, the industry contributes an indispensable $1 billion a year to the Maine economy--$1 billion a year. As other fisheries have declined, fishermen have increased their dependence on lobster.

Mid-coast and down-east Maine have the most fisheries-dependent communities in New England. Effective lobster management is a key element to the economic stability of this industry. These programs monitor the health and sustainability of the lobster resources and are the foundation of the industry management program. Their continuation is not only essential to the successful preservation of the lobster population, but the preservation of tens of thousands of jobs in the State of Maine.

So I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Donald Guimond, Town Manager of Fort Kent, Maine.

On May 1, 2008, the town of Fort Kent suffered from severe flooding that impacted businesses, apartments, homes and elderly housing. Mr. Guimond oversaw an orderly evacuation and quick response by emergency teams. Despite working without sleep for more than thirty six hours, Mr. Guimond always knew which residents and businesses had been impacted, where individuals sought shelter, and what further assistance was necessary. His well-coordinated reaction prevented serious injury and the loss of life.

Mr. Guimond continued to show his dedication to the residents of Fort Kent long after the flood waters receded. Through his efforts, the town provided the space necessary for disaster assistance teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration and other entities. He and his staff coordinated an effort to provide emergency heaters to residents whose furnaces were damaged by the disaster. He played an active role in the town's Long-term Recovery Committee, making sure that residents and business owners applied for the assistance that they needed and that the town is ready to respond to ongoing issues which have arisen from the flood. The Small Business Administration has recognized Mr. Guimond's significant contributions by presenting him the Phoenix Award for Disaster Recovery as a Public Official.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Guimond's dedication to the residents of Fort Kent, Maine.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Alfreda Dumond of Fort Kent, Maine, who has been named ``Mother of the Year'' by the Ladies of St. Anne. Mrs. Dumond is well known for her strong commitment and dedication to her church and to her family.

Alfreda Dumond's sole occupation is being a housewife and a mother. She was married for over 44 years, and raised five girls and two boys. A devoted mother who centered her life on her family, she raised her children with strong values and morals, and believed in being an example for them to follow.

Alfreda devoted her life to making her home a place where her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren love to visit. Her daughter, Linda, mentions that her house is her castle, so carefully maintained that guests would often remark that ``the house is so clean that we can actually eat off the floor.'' And what a wonderful cook she is--known for her molasses cookies, her old fashioned spaghetti, her homemade rice soup, her boiled dinners and her ployes.

Alfreda has always been an active member of her church, and throughout her life volunteered her time in service to the local clergy. For over 20 years, she has served as a Eucharistic Minister who visits the homes of shut-ins to deliver communion. This devotion to her church and to its congregation has earned her this important recognition--a woman who is committed to strengthening the moral and spiritual foundations of her family, her home, and her community.

Women like Alfreda Dumond give strength and joy to all of our lives, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing her for receiving this honor.

I wish Alfreda and her family all the best, and congratulate her on this well-deserved award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Mark A. Bancroft, President of Bancroft Contracting Corporation in South Paris, Maine.

Mr. Bancroft knows the meaning of dedication. He started working for his father's company, Bancroft Contracting Corporation, at the age of fourteen. He spent weekends, holidays, and school vacations learning the skills necessary to succeed in his trade. After successfully completing the Construction Management Technology program at the University of Maine, Mr. Bancroft returned to work for his father full time.

In the years following the completion of his degree, Mr. Bancroft worked as a project manager, human resources manager, operations manager, Vice President of Operations, and President for Bancroft Contracting Company. In 2004, he became owner and CEO. Today,

Mr. Bancroft's company employs one hundred-thirty workers during the winter and more than two hundred during the summer. The Small Business Administration has recognized Mr. Bancroft's business expertise and commitment by naming him the Maine Small Business Person of the Year for 2009.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Bancroft on a lifetime of hard work and devotion.

Mr. Speaker, I am here this afternoon to strongly oppose the Bush-negotiated Panama Free Trade Agreement. We should not even be considering this agreement until Panama fixes its outrageous banking secrecy, its offshore tax haven, and financial service deregulation policies.

Just when we thought we heard almost everything that there is to know about AIG's bailout and bonuses, many of you may not know AIG is suing United States taxpayers, claiming it overpaid U.S. taxes on activities in Panama.

Panama is a country which applies low to no regulations and taxes on firms registered there. AIG wants to get back those taxes it dodged with its Panamanian front.

Panama hides its tax liabilities and transactions behind banking secrecy rules. The United States and other firms can create unregulated subsidiaries with ease in Panama. According to the State Department, Panama has over 350,000 foreign-registered companies. AIG is very keen on tax havens like Panama.

The New York Times just ran an article about how AIG is currently suing the United States Government for over $306 million in back taxes it claims it does not owe because of the Panamanian company entitled Starr International Company, otherwise known as SICO.

SICO is AIG's largest shareholder. It is also the manager of a compensation fund for AIG employees who are paid in AIG shares. SICO's chairman is former AIG Chairman Hank Greenberg. The same company that got the government bailout money and used taxpayer dollars for outrageous bonuses is now demanding twice the amount of bonuses in paid back taxes.

If you aren't already angry about the greed of AIG executives, the fact that they are using Panama's tax haven status as a way to sue the American taxpayers for back taxes is completely outrageous. The Bush- negotiated Panama Free Trade Agreement would make matters worse. It promotes the offshoring of investment by providing special treatment for firms who are in Panama.

At a time of severe economic downturn and when the government is asking the United States taxpayers to foot the bill for Wall Street's mess, the last thing we need to do is pass a trade deal negotiated by the Bush administration that promotes offshoring, tax dodging, and privileges for foreign investors.

This is simply outrageous. As elected officials of the people here in the United States, we ought to have transparency in what is going on; and that transparency has not been there, whether it is the bailout legislation or whether it is looking at the Panama trade negotiated under the Bush administration which will be a tax haven for companies who are registered in Panama.

I urge my colleagues to vote against any Panama trade deal that has been negotiated by the previous administration. It's wrong. It's outrageous, and it is not the right thing to do.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and to celebrate the 100th birthday of a native daughter of the State of Maine. Her unwavering dedication as an educator in Dennysville and other local communities will be cherished for years to come.

Mina Phinney graduated from Dennysville High School and went on to continue her education at Colby College in Waterville, ME. Returning to Dennysville High School in 1931, Mina taught English and French until 1938 and then returned to resume teaching from 1952 until the school closed in 1961. Her career as a dedicated educator continued through the 1960s and 1970s at Washington Academy in East Machias. In 2000, she received the school's Distinguished Educator Award from the Washington Academy Board of Trustees.

During her earlier years, Mina served as an organist at the Dennysville-Edmunds Congregational Church. She is an avid Boston Red Sox fan and has always maintained a keen interest in local, state and national happenings and always keeps up with current events. Mina has been a lifelong member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She contributed to the war effort as an Air Craft Spotter during World War

Mr. Speaker, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk said this week that the administration wants to move forward with the Bush-negotiated Panama and Colombia Free Trade Agreement ``sooner rather than later.'' This is absolutely outrageous and a serious mistake, and contrary to what the President campaigned on.

Why would we be moving forward on a trade agreement negotiated by President Bush during a time where our economy is struggling? This makes no sense whatsoever. It does not represent a new model on trade. It represents a recycled model that doesn't work.

At home, people are furious about these trade deals. During the economic downturn, do we really want to push forward a Bush-negotiated free trade agreement? I believe the American people deserve more. I believe they demand more from their elected officials.

We have a historic opportunity with a new administration to reset the course of trade policy. I look forward to working with the administration to change the course of direction.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the dedication, service and commitment of Ron Sailor to the veterans of Maine.

Ron was born in Orono, Maine, and is a graduate of George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill. He attended Husson College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in accounting in 1968. He then briefly worked for Great Northern Paper Company and the Internal Revenue Service.

Ron served 32 years in the Maine Air National Guard, attaining the rank of Colonel. He served in a number of roles, including Chief of Staff to the Adjutant General, Public Affairs Officer, and Director of Operations and Training.

Like so many veterans across our nation, Ron's service did not end when he took off his uniform. Following his Maine Air National Guard service, Ron became active in the American Legion, serving as Orono Post 84 Commander, the Penobscot County Vice Commander and the Department of Maine Commander.

For the past 10 years, Ron has served as the Adjutant for the Department of Maine. Throughout his service to the American Legion, he has worked tirelessly on behalf of all the Maine legionnaires to ensure they receive the rights and benefits they have earned from their service.

Maine veterans, both now and for generations to come, will benefit because of Ron's efforts. Through his hard work and dedication, Ron has left a lasting legacy and brought honor and credit to himself, his family, his community, the American Legion and his nation. I have valued his candor, his guidance and his friendship, and I extend my sincere thank you to him for his many years of service on behalf of the veterans of Maine.

Mr. Speaker, the State of Maine and the working families across the Nation lost a determined advocate when Bruce Roy passed away on April 7. I rise tonight to honor my dear friend. My heart goes out to his wife for over 29 years, Nancy; his two daughters, Jessica and Joanne; and his five grandchildren, Courtney, Britney, Logan, Isabell, and Cooper, as well as his extended family during this very difficult time.

Bruce reminds us all of how short and precious life can be, but unlike most people who let life pass by them, Bruce lived in the moment. He gave everything he had to the betterment of his family's life and those around him.

I believe that a true measure of a man should always be the size of his heart. And God knows, and everyone who knew Bruce knew, that the size of his heart was enormous. He loved so many, and he was loved by so many, and there is nothing more important in life than that.

Bruce's idea of family far extends beyond the traditional norm; it includes his fellow mill workers, his union brothers and sisters, and his neighbors. He devoted his life to helping struggling families all across the State of Maine. And in the weeks preceding his death, helping the laid-off workers at Wausau Paper Mill get the assistance that they deserved.

Bruce also was a member of PACE International Union, known today as United Steelworkers Local 11 of Jay. He also served as Treasurer/ Recording Secretary and President of the Maine Labor Council of the United Steelworkers, and Secretary/Treasurer of the Maine AFL-CIO. He was recently appointed and confirmed to the Maine Workers' Compensation Board.

But in no way can Bruce's resume encapsulate who he was and what he stood for. When I first ran for Congress, many people did not believe that a mill worker could be elected. I was in a six-way primary in 2002, and the odds were stacked against me. Bruce devoted his life full-time to my campaign. And even though he wasn't a paid staffer, he was very much part of our campaign team. Bruce would get up at the crack of dawn to do mill gates, and spent long evenings plastering neighborhoods with campaign signs and literature. He was instrumental in my ``Get Out the Vote'' effort in the Katahdin region. I know he did all this at the expense of spending time with his loving family. He made an enormous sacrifice, but it was for a cause that he believed in. And that is how Bruce lived his life, he devoted his whole heart to the cause he believed in. When I won the seat to the United States Congress, my victory was not just for me, but for people like Bruce.

Bruce always reminded me that you can't stop fighting for the working men and women of this country. He lived that pledge in everything that he did. I have never forgotten those words. They are the words that we all should live by today.

Bruce always made a decision based on what was right. His approach to life was a combination of good humor, high ideals, and honor. He lived by that example. His son-in-law said about Bruce, ``He was the nicest guy I ever met,'' and I couldn't agree more.

There are no words to express the pain we all feel with his passing away. We love you, Bruce, and we know that you are among the angels. Your work here on Earth will never be forgotten from your brothers and sisters in the labor movement, and from your families and friends who lived and worked by you each and every day of your life.

May God bless you and your wonderful family.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important Maine institution and a bold step it is taking into the future. On October 11th, Husson College will become Husson University, a transition that marks a significant point in this school's history and its continued and growing contributions to the region and the State of Maine.

Located in Bangor, Maine, Husson College has, for over 100 years, offered students an opportunity to develop the skills and the kind of innovative thinking that has allowed them to succeed. With over 20 academic disciplines, from degrees in business and psychology to certificates in paralegal work and boatbuilding--a skill of vital importance to Maine--Husson has offered the classroom and experiential learning resources our students and State need to compete.

With this transition, Husson will be able to expand upon their current program, continuing to improve their ability serve students from Maine, the rest of the country, and the world. I congratulate President William Beardsley for his steadfast stewardship of the University as it grows to meet these new opportunities for Husson and thank him for the tremendous graduates his institution is producing for our State and Nation.

The key to America's continuing competitiveness in this world is having citizens of exceptional skills, who can respond in innovative ways to the challenges America faces. Husson has always offered this kind of education, and will continue to do so well into the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and to honor a native son of the largest city in my Congressional District. Marsden Hartley was born in Lewiston, Maine, in 1877. He became the most daring and original of the group of first generation modernist artists whom Alfred Stieglitz brought together in the early years of the 20th century.

In the early years of the 20th century, Marsden Hartley traveled throughout the USA and Europe. Considered an early modernist, Hartley was a nomadic painter for much of his life. He painted from Maine to Massachusetts, in New Mexico, California, New York, and in Western Europe. Finally, after spending many years away from his native state, he returned to Maine toward the end of his life. He wanted to become ``The Painter of Maine'' and to depict American life at a local level. In this way,

he is a member of the regionalists, a group of artists from the early to mid 20th century that attempted to represent a distinctly ``American Art.'' Hartley is an icon among painters. He is considered one of the foremost American painters of the first half of the 20th century.

The State of Maine recognizes the great contribution of Lewiston's native son to the world of fine art. Governor John Baldacci has proclaimed September 25, 2008 as ``Marsden Hartley Day.'' There will be a celebration of his work at Bates College, also located in Lewiston, Maine. There will be two screenings of ``Visible Silence: Marsden Hartley, Painter and Poet,'' an essay in film by Michael Maglaras.

I rise today to honor Marsden Hartley for his contribution to the State of Maine and the United States.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Colby College Museum of Art for being accredited by the American Association of Museums, AAM. Accredited since 1995, and re-accredited recently, the museum joins 10 other museums from Maine and 775 nationwide to receive this honor. Accreditation recognizes the Colby College museum's commitment to public service, professional standards, and excellence in education.

The Colby College Museum of Art is a powerful community presence and leader in communicating the value and importance of art. The museum is more than just a collection of great works of art; it is also an incredible educational resource for the state of Maine. It offers hands-on workshops, morning story times for children and various lectures from faculty at Colby, visiting speakers, and student docents.

The Colby College Museum of Art extends its reach far beyond the Colby College campus, sharing its astounding collection with community members of all ages and providing a place for study for faculty and students. I have no doubt that the museum will continue this mission of service and education well into the future, and congratulate the museum once again on this deserved accreditation by the American Association of Museums.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6445, the Veterans Health Care Policy Enhancement Act. I would like to thank Mr. Cazayoux for this progressive piece of legislation, and Representatives Doyle, Walz, Buyer and Hare for their significant contributions. Thank you also Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for your support of this measure. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the great effort of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee staff in compiling this bill and achieving it's strong bi-partisan nature.

Over the past few decades, VA has transformed the way it delivers care to our veterans. This transformation has significantly increased their efficiency, increased veterans' access to care, and aligned the VA with the health care industry at large.

Unfortunately, certain policies that are relics of the previous era of health care delivery remain. This bill will modernize VA policies regarding copayments for nonservice-connected, catastrophically disabled, Category Group 4 veterans; pain care; counseling services for family members; and HIV testing. Additionally, this legislation enhances the VA's ability to collect third party payments.

Currently, there are approximately 25,000 non-service connected catastrophically disabled veterans enrolled in Priority Group 4. These veterans have a permanent, severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises their ability to carry out many activities of daily living.

The very nature and severity of their disabilities precludes them from employment. Yet current VA policy requires these veterans to pay copayments for their care.

Section 2 of this bill prohibits VA from collecting copayments from these vulnerable veterans.

Another legacy policy of the VA states that families of veterans being treated for non-service connected disabilities are only eligible for family support services, such as counseling, training or mental health services, if they are necessary for the veteran's treatment and they are initiated during the veteran's hospitalization and they are essential for the discharge of the veteran from the hospital.

Since the VA has transformed to a predominantly outpatient-based system, this policy is no longer effective.

Section 3 of this bill removes these restrictions on the provision of family support services. This is essential for our newest generation of veterans and their families.

Veterans suffer from acute and chronic pain in proportions far exceeding the general population. In fact, pain is the leading cause of disability among veterans.

To address the issue, the VA developed a ``National Pain Management Strategy'' and issued a directive to make pain management a national priority. However, this directive expired May 31, 2008 and reports from the field suggest that implementation has been far from consistent.

Section 4 of this bill mandates that the VA develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the management of pain experienced by veterans. It requires the VA to develop the policy in consultation with veterans service organizations and other 7137 organizations with expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of pain.

Current law authorizes the VA to bill veterans' insurance companies (third-party collections) for non-service connected care provided to veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. A June 2008 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimated that $1.2 to $1.4 billion dollars go uncollected annually by VA due to improper coding, delays in billing, and collections follow-up.

In 2005, VA created the Mid-Atlantic Consolidated Patient Accounting Center (CPAC) in Asheville, North Carolina which has been tremendously successful.

Section 5 of this bill would require the VA establish no more than seven other CPACs to help maximize its collections by using industry best-practices to improve timely and accurate billing and enhance collections.

The VA is the largest, single provider of HIV/AIDS care in the United States with over 22,800 patients with HIV/AIDS. In 1988, Congress passed legislation that required the VA obtain a veteran's written informed consent before being tested for HIV. This was based on the best practice in 1988.

However, since then our knowledge of HIV/AIDS has increased significantly and treatments have advanced significantly. As a result, in 2006, the CDC revised their recommendations regarding diagnostic HIV testing. CDC now recommends HIV testing be a part of routine clinical care and recommends that separate written consent for HIV screening should no longer be required.

Section 6 of this bill brings VA HIV/AIDS care up to current standards of practice.

All the provisions in this bill are intended to enhance current VA policies to bring them into the 21st century.

The improvements in these policies will have a direct and positive impact on improving the quality of healthcare our veterans receive.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6445.