Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Mrs. Thelda Dobbins.

Thelda Kirschner Dobbins was born on April 26, 1914 in Lisbon Falls, Maine. She graduated from Lisbon Falls High School in 1930 at the age of 16 and went on to receive a teaching degree from Farmington State Normal School, now known as the University of Maine at Farmington, as a member of the Class of 1932. Thelda went on to teach grade school in Durham, Maine for three years, making $12 a week during the Great Depression.

Thelda continued to teach until she married Lester Dobbins in 1938, and the couple gave birth to their only child, Herb, in 1941. After the onset of World War II, Thelda returned to teaching in Sabattus and then at Pettingill School in Lewiston until her retirement in 1971.

Thelda and Lester enjoyed over 60 years of marriage until Lester passed away in 2000. Thelda continues to be an active member of the Auburn community as a resident of The Chapman House.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in celebrating the 100th birthday of Mrs. Thelda Dobbins, who has led an extraordinary life dedicated to her family and the education of Maine's children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Dr. James Warhola to the Capitol. Dr. Warhola is the Chair of the Political Science Department at the University of Maine, where he has taught for more than three decades.

Dr. Warhola is an accomplished scholar who has written extensively on the relationship between the United States and Russia. Today, Dr. Warhola will share his perspective on our nation's still-evolving relationship with Russia at a briefing hosted by the U.S. Commission on Security & Cooperation in Europe.

As Congress continues to weigh the implications of the unfolding situation in Crimea, Dr. Warhola's lecture will provide critical insight to Members of Congress and their staffs who are monitoring this situation.

As the Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Warhola for his service in the United States Air Force and the Ohio Air National Guard.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in welcoming James W. Warhola to Washington.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lamey-Wellehan on its 100th anniversary.

One hundred years ago last week, Dan Wellehan and Charlie Lamey opened Lamey-Wellehan Shoes on Lisbon Street in Lewiston, ME. Despite Dan being sent to fight in World War I and Charlie tragically passing away at a young age, this Maine institution has persisted for a century, expanding to six locations and more than 100 employees, fitting countless young Mainers with their first pair of shoes.

Since the death of Dan Wellehan in 1976, Lamey-Wellehan has been under the stewardship of his son, Jim Wellehan, who began working in the store's stockroom as a young high school student. Under Jim's leadership, Lamey-Wellehan has continued to grow, build strong relationships in Maine's communities and separated itself as an environmentally conscious business. Over the years, Lamey-Wellehan has made concerted efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by recycling up to 96 percent of its solid waste, increasing its use of solar energy, and most recently ceasing its use of plastic bags.

Although Jim Wellehan does not have specific retirement plans, he is working to ensure that when he does retire the company remains in good hands by slowly having his employees buy the business. As Lamey- Wellehan moves into its second century of business, I am confident that it will continue to successfully serve Mainers in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing Lamey-Wellehan's 100th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Award Winners. The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business communities of central and western Maine, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state.

Each year, the Oxford Hills 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: Oxford Federal Credit Union, recipient of the Business of the Year Award; Ronald Kugell, recipient of the Community Service Award; Catherine Fanjoy-Coffey, recipient of the Employee of the Year Award; and Buy the Fire, recipient of the Rising Star 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 in which to live and do business.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce and these award recipients on their outstanding service and achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the York River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2013.

I want to thank my friend and colleague, Representative Pingree, for her leadership on this bill.

A healthy York River is important to the economic and environmental vitality of Southern Maine. The river is used daily by fishermen and recreational boat users, and its beauty is a significant part of the tourist economy that is so integral to Southern Maine. The river is an important home for wildlife, providing a home to more than 100 waterbirds and 28 species of fish.

This important legislation would create a study to determine whether or not the York River and its tributaries should be included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. The study would help evaluate current and future demands on the river, and determine whether or not extra federal protection is necessary to keep the river strong and healthy.

Individuals, businesses, and wildlife depend on the York River. We must keep it strong and healthy for years to come.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Lucerne Inn as it celebrates its bicentennial.

In the early 1800s, Nathan Phillips built a family home in Dedham, Maine, overlooking Phillips Lake, on land granted to John Phillips for his service in the Revolutionary War. Conveniently situated as the only stop on the road connecting the Brewer and Bangor area to Ellsworth and other points Down East, by 1814, the home quickly became a popular location for travelers of all stripes to stay and enjoy a meal. This led to the eventual transformation of the home into The Lucerne Inn.

Over the years, The Lucerne Inn has made a number of changes to include modern amenities while also maintaining its 19th century charm. The Inn currently has 31 rooms overlooking Phillips Lake and the scenic Dedham Hills. Each room includes a flat screen television, gas fireplace, and a heated towel bar. The Inn also features several dining areas that offer a diverse menu of progressive American cuisine and an award-winning wine collection. Bordering the Inn is the Lucerne-in- Maine Golf Course, which offers discounted rates and packages to guests of the Inn.

The Inn plays host to numerous weddings each year, as well as its annual October bridal show, which is attended by more than 100 brides. Additionally, many memorial ceremonies, Christmas parties, baby showers and business meetings choose The Lucerne Inn as their venue. Accommodations such as free wifi, LCD projectors and flip charts are available for such events.

To commemorate The Lucerne Inn's bicentennial, the owners, Steve and Rhonda Jones, are planning several special events and deals for guests and patrons of the Inn. These events include a public open house, wine and menu specials priced at $18.14, and special rates for guests. I am delighted to recognize the accomplishments of this wonderful establishment and look forward to its continued success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating The Lucerne Inn on its bicentennial.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the 2014 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the greater Bangor area, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and 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: Miles Theeman, recipient of the Norbert X. Dowd Award; Hollywood Casino, recipient of the Business of the Year Award; Senator Edward Youngblood, recipient of the Catherine Lebowitz Award for Public Service; the City of Bangor, recipient of the Community Service Award; Acadia Hospital, recipient of the Non-Profit of the Year Award; Steve Pound, recipient of the Arthur A. Comstock Professional Service Award; Cerahelix, recipient of the Bion and Dorain Foster Entrepreneurship 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 in which to live and do business.

Mr. Speaker, please join me 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 honorees of the 2014 Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the greater Lewiston/Auburn area, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state.

Each year, the Androscoggin County 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: Jason Levesque of Argo Marketing, recipient of the Business Leadership Award for a Larger Company; John Grenier of Rainbow Bicycle, recipient of the Business Leadership Award for a Smaller Company; Art Boulay of Strategic Talent Management, recipient of the Ray Geiger Award; Kathy Durgin-Leighton of YWCA, recipient of the Community Service Leadership Award; Positive Change Lisbon, recipient of the Lisbon Business Award; Jodi Cornelio of Turner Publishing, recipient of the Turner Business Award; Hurricane Cafe and Deli, recipient of the Greene Business Award; Community Credit Union, recipient of the Education Award; Pettengill Academy, recipient of the ``Cool Chamber Award;'' Craig Saddlemire, recipient of the Public Service Leadership

Award; Sandra Jones and Shanna Rogers, recipients of the Young Professionals of the Lewiston Auburn Area (YPLAA) Award; and John Story of L-A Harley-Davidson and Rinck Advertising, recipients of the President's 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 in which to live and do business.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the 2014 Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet. The Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the Augusta area, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state.

Each year, the Kennebec Valley 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 honorees include: MaineGeneral Health, recipient of the Business of the Year Award; Norman Pomerleau of NRF Distributors, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; John Babb and Cassie Babb of J&S Oil, recipients of the Business Person of the Year Award; Charlie and Nancy Shuman of Charlie's Motor Mall, recipients of the Special Service Award; Sue Grenier, recipient of the Community Service Award; Amanda Bartlett, recipient of the Young Professional Award; Linda Markham of Cape Air, recipient of the President's Award; Mike and Kim Meservey of the Downtown Diner, recipients of the President's Award; and Scott Cowager and Vince Hannan of Maple Hill Farm Inn & Conference Center, recipients of the President's 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 Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Scott Karczewski on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of Veterans' Affairs after 36 years of dedicated service.

Scott's service to our country began in 1971, when he joined the U.S. Navy, serving on board the USS John F. Kennedy for more than three years. He began his VA career in 1977 at the Togus VA hospital as a temporary warehouse worker. He was quickly promoted to a full time file clerk position in the Regional Office, while still attending college at the University of Maine. Scott has held several positions at the Togus Regional Office including Claims Examiner, Senior Claims Examiner, Rating Specialist, Assistant Veterans Service Center Manager, Veterans Service Center Manager, and most recently as Director of the Regional Office.

Under his leadership, the Togus Regional Office has continued its exceptional performance as one of the top regional offices in the Nation, efficiently and accurately processing claims for Maine's veterans. The performance of the Togus Regional Office has been recognized with the establishment of two special missions, a rating resource center and a development resource center. These missions assist other regional offices with their backlogged claims and have contributed greatly towards the reduction in the claims backlog nationally.

Through his dedication and valued work, Scott has earned well- deserved appreciation and accolades including a Commendation Award in 1986 from the Chief Benefits Administrator, and the Eastern Area Leadership Award in 2007.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Scott Karczewski on his many years of outstanding service to our veterans and wishing him a rewarding and enjoyable retirement.

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

I support this legislation to allow the VA or the Secretary of the Army to reconsider their decisions to inter individuals at our Veterans National Cemeteries, to include Arlington National Cemetery. With this legislation, individuals who may have committed a Federal or State capital crime, but were not convicted by reason of unavailability for trial due to death or flight to avoid prosecution, may be considered for disinterment.

Being buried in our national cemeteries is one of the highest honors our Nation bestows upon veterans and their dependents for their service and sacrifice.

This legislation also closes a loophole in the current law. Currently, veterans and their dependents who have been convicted of capital crimes may not be buried in Arlington National Cemetery or any national cemetery. If there is a mistake and they are inappropriately buried in one of these cemeteries, the Army and/or VA cannot correct the mistake. This legislation would correct this issue and allow the Secretaries of the Army and the VA to reconsider the original interment and exhume the body for interment elsewhere.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today we can take a meaningful step to ensure the sanctity of our national cemeteries. These grounds are hallowed for the men and women who fought selflessly on our behalf.

With that, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise in support of H.R. 3521, the Department of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act of 2013.

Mr. Speaker, this bill would authorize a number of major medical facility leases that will ensure veterans continue to receive care in safe, efficient, and modern clinics closer to home.

Last year, much to our disappointment, we were unable to pass a lease authorization bill. As a result, H.R. 3521 contains lease requests for fiscal years 2013 and 2014. Twenty-seven leases are included in this bill. From New Jersey to Hawaii, veterans can expect long awaited expansions to cramped community-based outpatient clinics, new clinical research space, and sorely needed replacement facilities.

This bill is a bipartisan bill and in the best interest of America's veterans. I appreciate the efforts of my colleagues across the aisle, especially Chairman Miller, for the collaborative effort that permitted this important legislation to move forward.

Mr. Speaker, I know you will agree with me that it is our obligation to ensure that our veterans are provided the best care possible in a timely and safe manner. I believe H.R. 3521, as amended, will do just that.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, once again I would urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3521, as amended.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise in full support of H.R. 1402, as amended, the VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013.

Mr. Speaker, this bill, as amended, would extend a number of critical programs administered by the VA. It is a bipartisan measure. I appreciate the highly collaborative efforts of the committee staffs and the cooperative efforts of our colleagues in the other body.

H.R. 1402, as amended, would extend the authorization of appropriations for the VA to provide monthly stipends to athletes competing in large-scale adaptive sports programs and extend the authority of the VA to provide grants to entities that plan and carry out adaptive sports programs. This bill represents a bipartisan and bicameral agreement to modify the existing program and to provide more stringent oversight of the program.

H.R. 1402, as amended, would also extend to the end of next year the authority of the VA to transport certain individuals to and from VA facilities, to operate the regional office in the Philippines, and to contract with non-

VA physicians to conduct medical disability examinations.

H.R. 1402, as amended, would also extend the requirement that VA provide nursing home care to certain veterans, extend the authority to provide treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, and extend the authority of the VA to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans.

Finally, this bill would extend the authority for two advisory committees--the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans and the Advisory Committee on Education--as well as extend the authority for requirements relating to the sale of vendee loans by the VA.

Mr. Speaker, we have passed many veterans bills out of the House this year. It is my hope that some of these bills will become law before the year is out. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to make sure that we get this bill passed. The job at hand today is to pass this extenders bill, send it over to the Senate for quick consideration, and get it to the President's desk before the end of the year before the authority to continue these vital programs lapses.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Negrete McLeod).

Mrs. NEGRETE McLEOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1402 that extends VA housing programs for homeless veterans.

The California district which I represent is home to over 20,000 veterans. Like the Nation, homelessness among veterans is a serious problem in my district. It will take continued coordination between VA and local organizations to ensure that veterans are able to take advantage of housing assistance programs.

As a member of the House VA Subcommittee on Health, in August of this year I hosted a town hall with the VA and local organizations. Over 200 veterans attended and signed up for VA veterans benefits for the very first time. This is a great example of better coordination in helping our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again thank Chairman Miller for his collaborative effort in bringing both of these bills before the House today and his continued support to make sure that we do everything we can to pass legislation that will help our veterans. I also want to thank the staffs on both the majority and the minority side for working so well together to get these bills before the floor. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1402, as amended.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lewiston Firefighters Association for its service to Maine's children through its partnership with Operation Warm.

As firefighters, the members of the Lewiston Firefighters Association are committed to putting the safety and interests of the community before themselves, and their partnership with Operation Warm is a continuation of this tradition of selfless service. Throughout the fall, the Lewiston Firefighters Association engaged in a community outreach effort to raise funds to keep our children warm during Maine's harsh winter months. As a result of their outreach efforts, the Lewiston Firefighters Association will be donating one hundred, brand new winter coats to the children of Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care.

Since 1998, Operation Warm has partnered with organizations like the Lewiston Firefighters Association to provide winter coats to more than one million children in need. Especially in a state like Maine, where winter temperatures routinely fall far below freezing, our children are highly susceptible to illness, jeopardizing their health and education. By keeping our children warm and healthy, these coats minimize the chance that they will have to miss school.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2013, the Lewiston Firefighters Association will donate one hundred coats to the children of Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care at the Lewiston Central Fire Station in Lewiston, Maine. Through their commitment to service, these firefighters serve as exemplary role models for our children and truly represent the strong community spirit of the people of Maine.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing the Lewiston Firefighters Association for its partnership with Operation Warm and efforts on behalf of Maine's neediest children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado, to recognize the inauguration of the Congressional Montenegro Caucus and welcome the President of the Montenegrin Parliament to Washington, D.C.

Tonight, we will join with many of our colleagues to formally mark our commitment to strengthen an existing friendship with a young friend but vitally important ally in the Balkans.

Together, our nations work to advance peace and prosperity in the region and across the world. Montenegro has demonstrated a strong commitment to regional stability and peacekeeping efforts. Its openness to American businesses and investors make Montenegro an important economic partner.

For eight years, Montenegro has participated in the National Guard's State Partnership Program, partnering with Maine as the Montenegrin military transitions to an all-volunteer force. Now, the partnership between our two nations grows even stronger with the establishment of the Congressional Montenegro Caucus.

We are especially pleased to welcome the President of the Parliament of Montenegro and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Ranko Krivokapic, to Washington, D.C. as we celebrate the founding of this important caucus. We look forward to many more years of cooperation and friendship between our countries.

Mr. Speaker, please join us again in celebrating the inauguration of the Congressional Montenegro Caucus.