Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Argo Marketing Group as it celebrates being awarded the 2013 Inc. Hire Power Award as the number one job creator in Lewiston, Maine.

Argo Marketing Group was founded in 2003 by Jason Levesque, a veteran of the United States Army. It provides quality third-party customer service to its clients' customers around the world. In the past 10 years, the firm has grown from being the brainchild of one determined individual to a fast-growing industry pioneer with three Maine offices.

This year, Argo Marketing Group has invested $2.4 million in turning a dilapidated building in Lewiston's downtown into a 25,000 square foot headquarters with space for 250 jobs. With the addition of the new Lewiston facility, Argo Marketing Group expects to have a total of 350 call center seats and 500 employees. For these efforts, the firm placed first on the 2013 Inc. Hire Power list of job creators in Lewiston.

Throughout the Group's rapid expansion, it has remained devoted to community service. It has lent its support to groups including the Lewiston Public Theater, Sand Castle preschool, and Maine's National Guard and Reserve Family Readiness Program. Founded by a veteran, the firm is committed to giving back to Maine service members by offering hiring bonuses to military veterans, active members and veterans of the Maine National Guard and Reserve, and their spouses.

Argo Marketing Group is truly a testament to the creative and dynamic spirit of Maine. As a job-builder and community member, its efforts help make Maine a great place to live and do business.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Argo Marketing Group on being awarded the 2013 Inc. Hire Power Award for their outstanding job creation in the city of Lewiston, Maine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the ten honorees of the 2013 Mainebiz Next List.

Mainebiz has long been a leading source of business news and analysis for Maine's businesses community. Through its comprehensive website, print publications, events, videos and emails, Mainebiz helps Maine's business leaders innovate, grow and succeed.

Each year, Mainebiz recognizes outstanding business leaders who will have the greatest influence on Maine's business community in the coming years. Mainebiz recognizes these honorees as ``Nexters'', exceptional entrepreneurs and innovators who are advancing Maine's economy for the better. Many captains of industry throughout the state are nominated to be on Mainebiz's Next List, but only the best of the best are selected after an extensive vetting process.

This year's Next List field truly exemplifies the diverse and dynamic business community in Maine: Gayle Brazeau, College of Pharmacy Dean and Professor at the University of New England; Douglas Fletcher, CEO of Maine Wood Concepts; Sylvia Getman, President and CEO of the Aroostook Medical Center; Tom Hall, President of Hall Internet Marketing; Terry Ingram, CEO of Allagash International; Masey Kaplan, Owner of Close Buy Catalog; Chris Kilgour, CEO of C&L Aerospace; Joshua Shea, Publisher of the Lewiston Auburn Magazine and Founder of the Lewiston Auburn Film Festival; Kevin Strange, Director of the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory; and Voot Yin, Assistant Professor of Regenerative Biology at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory.

Today, November 12, 2013, Mainebiz will celebrate the achievements of the ten Next List honorees at an awards reception at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine. Additionally, these honorees were featured in the October 14th issue of Mainebiz.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and congratulating the 2013 Mainebiz Next List honorees. These men and women represent the best that Maine and this country have to offer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the efforts of The Summit Project and its leader and founder, United States Marine Corps Major David J. Cote, to memorialize Maine's fallen service members since September 11, 2001.

Major Cote launched The Summit Project on Memorial Day of 2013. This outstanding initiative will recognize and pay proper tribute to the sacrifices made by our fallen service members and their families.

Beginning on Memorial Day 2014, volunteers will carry memorial stones to the summit of Mt. Katandin to honor each fallen Maine hero who was given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country during recent conflicts. Each engraved stone will bear the initials, birth year, death year, rank, and service branch of the Maine heroes who valiantly gave their lives while defending our country. The act of carrying memorial stones during tribute hikes across mountains in Maine will become a symbol of solidarity that recognizes the sacrifice of our brave Maine service members and their families.

I grew up and still live in the heart of Maine's Katandin Region, a part of our state built on a strong work ethic and devotion to service above self. Since I was a child, I have been acutely aware of the significant number of Mainers from across the region and the state who choose a life of military service to protect and defend the United States at home and abroad. I can't think of a better place than Mt. Katandin to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and the Maine values that defined their character.

As a living memorial, the Summit Project was created to honor the fallen while challenging the living. The Summit Project ensures that the spirit and sacrifice of our fallen Maine heroes will not be forgotten, and it creates an environment in which their surviving family and friends may continue the healing process. The project exemplifies the values of the people of Maine: service, loyalty, patriotism, and selflessness.

It is an honor and a privilege to represent Maine, the creators of the Summit Project, and the Katandin Region in Congress. Soon, Maine's highest peak will host a fitting dedication to the memory of Maine's bravest.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the members of The Summit Project and Major David J. Cote as they honor the service members from Maine who lost their lives protecting our freedom.

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

Yesterday was Veterans Day. Its origin began 95 years ago on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The armistice was signed marking the end of World War I. The next year we saw the first commemoration of Armistice Day, which became Veterans Day in 1954. Every Veterans Day since then has been a day of remembrance and commemoration for all of our veterans.

Today, we have the opportunity to put the thoughts and feelings of Veterans Day into practical action. Today, with the agreement of the House, we will ensure that veterans continue to receive the support they need.

On October 28, the Senate passed S. 893, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013, which provides that veterans receive a projected 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment beginning in January.

This bill directs the VA to increase the rate of basic compensation for disabled veterans and the rate of dependency and indemnity compensation for their survivors and dependents.

Since 1976, Congress has acted annually to increase these benefits by an amount estimated to keep pace with inflation. This year's increase is the same as that provided to Social Security recipients.

Without this annual COLA increase, veterans, their families, and survivors would see the value of their hard-earned benefits slowly erode.

Many of the millions of veterans and survivors who receive monthly benefits depend upon these payments in order to make ends meet. For some, it is their only source of income.

Providing for a cost-of-living increase is an important thing that we

all can do to help veterans and ensure that the value of their benefits does not decrease over time due to inflation. It is a way that we can, the day after Veterans Day, thank our veterans again for their service and their sacrifice. I urge my colleagues to support S. 893.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Halle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cate Street Capital and recipient of Spurwink Services' 2013 Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Since 1987, Spurwink Services, a non-profit organization that provides mental health and educational services throughout New England, has presented its annual Humanitarian Award to an individual who works to improve the lives of others within the community and state of Maine. Spurwink made an excellent choice in presenting its 2013 Humanitarian of the Year award to John Halle, who has displayed his deep commitment to the health and wellbeing of the people of Maine through raising funds and awareness for this important organization.

In addition to his outstanding fundraising efforts, John has positively impacted the state of Maine through his business ventures and forward-looking vision. In 2009, after 25 years with a number of high-growth financial companies, John founded Cate Street Capital, which invests in sustainable and innovative technologies that not only create jobs but also help to preserve and protect the environment for future generations.

More recently, John and Cate Street Capital have focused much of their efforts on reviving Great Northern Paper in East Millinocket, Maine. John's efforts have helped restore one of Maine's proudest and most iconic industries and led to the creation of more than 250 jobs.

On November 9, 2013, John Halle will be honored as Spurwink Services' 2013 Humanitarian of the Year at a dinner gala and award ceremony at the Portland Marriot at Sable Oaks in South Portland, Maine. I am looking forward to being in attendance as John receives this much deserved award.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating John Halle on being named Spurwink Services' Humanitarian of the Year and recognizing his tremendous contributions to the state of Maine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Finance Authority of Maine as it celebrates 30 years of helping Maine citizens pursue business and higher education opportunities, as well as the recipients of its 2013 Showcase Maine Awards.

The Finance Authority of Maine, also known as FAME, was founded in 1983 as the state's business finance agency. By increasing access to capital, its innovative programs enable the start up and growth of the state's business community. Since 1990, FAME has also been responsible for administering Maine's higher education finance programs, helping Maine students and families meet the costs of higher education through a variety of loan, grant and scholarship programs. It also administers an outreach and counseling program that helps inspire and empower young people to pursue higher education.

Each year, the Finance Authority of Maine honors community members that have been exceptional partners in their efforts to aid the

Maine business community and Maine students at the Showcase Maine Awards. This year's award recipients include: the Hodgdon Group, recipient of the Business at Work for Maine Award; Jim Wellehan, recipient of the Education at Work for Maine Award; the Honorable Mary Nelson, recipient of the Dirigo Legislative Champion Award; and Camden National Bank, recipient of the Financial Institution of the Year Award.

These award-winners exemplify the hard-working and innovative spirit of Maine. Their dedication and leadership make Maine a better place to live and do business.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Finance Authority of Maine and the 2013 Showcase Maine Award recipients on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Richmond Area Health Center as it celebrates its third year of providing outstanding medical care through its ``Star Program.''

The Richmond Area Health Center is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center site, providing primary care to 3,500 people in a medically underserved community. The Health Center has worked over the last several years to improve health outcomes and lowers costs by inspiring individuals to change their lifestyles. The Health Center's ``Star Program'' incorporates healthy lifestyle strategies and affirmations into every primary care visit to improve patients' health and well- being.

This no-cost program has helped approximately 900 patients collectively lose more than 11,000 pounds. By helping patients make lifestyle changes, the team at Richmond Area Healthcare Center has been able to reduce the number of medications it prescribes and diagnostic tests it orders. The Health Center's model of lowering costs and empowering patients is now serving as a model for several similar programs throughout the state of Maine.

On October 18, 2013, the Richmond Area Health Center celebrated three years of exceptional healthcare by hosting a reception with patients and members of the greater community. I am delighted to recognize the accomplishments of this dedicated team of healthcare workers and look forward to their continued success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Richmond Area Health Center on three years of exceptional patient care.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2189, as amended, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2189, as amended, is a bipartisan omnibus bill addressing veterans' disability benefits and compensation. This bill includes provisions from nine other measures. These bills are part of the slate of commonsense legislation introduced in May of this year. It provides the Department of Veterans Affairs with additional tools and reforms to assist in eliminating the backlog.

Included are provisions from H.R. 2086, the Pay As You Rate Act, introduced by the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee ranking member, Representative Titus of Nevada; H.R. 1809, the Faster Filing Act, introduced by Representative O'Rourke from Texas; H.R. 1623, the Claims Efficiency Through Information Act, introduced by Representative Negrete McLeod of California; H.R. 1759, introduced by Representative

Ruiz of California; H.R. 1805, the Veterans Claims Efficiency Through Automation Act, introduced by Representative Kuster of New Hampshire; H.R. 1824, the VA Regional Office Accountability Act, introduced by Representative Meng of New York; H.R. 1521, the Disabled Veterans Red Tape Reduction Act, introduced by Representative Sean Patrick Maloney of New York; H.R. 864, which will designate at least one city in the United States each year as an ``American World War II City,'' introduced by Representative McIntyre of North Carolina; and H.R. 1288, the World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act, introduced by Representative Butterfield of North Carolina.

Collectively, H.R. 2189, as amended, gives VA real, useful tools they can begin using now. These tools will assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in making significant progress on its goal of eliminating the backlog by 2015.

The legislation will require VA to pay veterans more quickly. It will provide them with information that may lead to veterans receiving a quicker decision on their claims. It will formulate a task force to attack the growing appeals backlog, and it will require the VA to start tracking information that will help them better understand the claims inventory.

I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their bipartisan effort to create a smart, pragmatic solution. Together we will help VA provide better benefits and services to our veterans. I also want to thank the staff on both sides of the aisle for their work on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2189, as amended.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Negrete McLeod).

Mrs. NEGRETE McLEOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 2189, which includes provisions from the VA Claims Efficiency Through Information Act of 2013, which I introduced in April, that will require VA to track the time spent evaluating each medical condition in a disability compensation claim. VA would have to report the number of completed claims by region and by medical condition for the current and preceding month and year.

As Veterans Day approaches, we should remember veterans who are struggling to find work while living with service-connected disabilities. VA compensation is needed so veterans can support themselves and avoid homelessness.

The VA's legacy paper system has made it difficult to process claims of older veterans who need additional compensation later in life. Claims of younger veterans can also take longer to process because they have multiple medical conditions.

The claims backlog is a serious problem for the VA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Since July, the Los Angeles regional office has reduced the average time to process claims from 600 days to 400 days. The VA still has a long way to go to meet its own goal of 125 days, and the backlog will not end overnight and may even go up as more men and women apply for benefits.

No one is looking at directing blame but, instead, searching for a way to work together, and Congress and the VA must be willing to explore new methods for delivering services to veterans in the 21st century for the growing veteran population.

I thank Mr. Miller for allowing my bill to be included in his.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. O'Rourke).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I would encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 2189, as amended.

Once again, I want to thank Chairman Miller and his staff for working very diligently on this piece of legislation, along with my staff on the minority side, and for bringing this forward.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 2481, as amended, the Veterans Economic Opportunity Act of 2013, and yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2481, as amended, makes several significant improvements to VA's structure as well as several benefits programs. This bill represents the work of Members, both on and off the Veterans' Affairs Committee, to improve veterans lives. I want to take a few minutes to highlight two of the key provisions of this measure.

Mr. Cummings of Maryland originally introduced H.R. 1842, the Military Family Home Protection Act. Language from this measure is included in H.R. 2481, as amended, and aims to strengthen the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act foreclosure protections for servicemembers and their families during the course of deployment, regardless of when the home was purchased. Military homeowners deserve these protections so they can have peace of mind while they serve. We all have heard the horror stories of families fighting for their homes and, sadly, losing their homes while the family members were in harm's way in Iraq or Afghanistan.

The 5-year extension of the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program in this bill is vital to veterans. There are still approximately 62,000 homeless veterans on the streets each night. This program provides services to assist in reintegrating them into meaningful employment in the labor force. The HVRP is the only nationwide program that focuses on assisting homeless veterans by connecting them to employment. If we are to meet the goal of ending homeless veterans by 2015, we need to extend the help that is included in this bill.

I strongly support H.R. 2481, as amended, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings).

Mr. Speaker, once again, I would like to thank Chairman Miller for bringing this bill to the floor, as well as Chairman Flores and Ranking Member Takano of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity for their work on this particular bill, and I would encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it unanimously.

With that, I 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. 2011, the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013. The Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the administration of education and training programs for veterans and servicemembers, Reservists and Guard personnel, and dependents of veterans. The Advisory Committee is composed of veterans and persons who are eminent in their respective fields of education, labor, and management and are representatives of institutions and establishments furnishing education to veterans.

Besides providing advice to the Secretary, the Advisory Committee recommends new educational benefits and services. It also plays a key role in the long-range planning and development of existing education benefit programs for our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, as our post-9/11 GI Bill continues to evolve and be fully understood by the VA, colleges, veterans, and their dependents, the Advisory Committee is crucial to full implementation and resolving lingering issues. The authority for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education is slated to end on December 31, 2013. H.R. 2011 would extend this authority for 2 years so that the Advisory Committee can continue its important work in ensuring that veterans receive the full value of their educational benefits.

I wish to thank Representative Delaney of Maryland for introducing this bill and Chairman Miller for bringing it to the floor today. I wish also to thank Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Flores and Ranking Member Takano for their hard work on this legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Delaney).

Mr. Speaker, I also have no further requests for time.

I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2011, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Theresa M. Desfosses of Scarborough, Maine on being inducted into the RV/ Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame.

In August 2013, Theresa Desfosses was inducted into the RV/ Manufactured Housing (RV/MH) Hall of Fame, becoming only the fifth member from New England, one of only a few women, and the first Mainer to receive the honor. Inducting its first class in 1972, the RV/MH Hall of Fame was established by the RV/MH Heritage Foundation to recognize individuals that have made a significant, positive impact on the manufactured housing industry.

Throughout her career, Theresa has helped grow and advance the manufactured housing industry on the national and state levels. On the national level, she most recently served on the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee, advising the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on manufactured housing regulations and safety standards. On the state level, Theresa was instrumental in establishing the Manufactured Housing Association of Maine as well as Maine's Manufactured Housing Board, serving on its Board of Directors for many years.

Theresa has not only helped transform the manufactured housing industry, but has also had a direct impact on the lives of her fellow Mainers. As owner of State Manufactured Homes, a third-generation family business, Theresa has provided affordable, accessible homes to more than 700 Maine families. Her tireless work ethic and commitment to Maine have made our state a better place to live.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of Theresa M. Desfosses and congratulating her on being inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, Ed Hamm, Jr. of East Millinocket, Maine, on receiving the Hometown Hero award from the Modern Woodmen of America.

The Hometown Hero award is given to individuals and groups who selflessly commit themselves to their communities, asking for nothing in return. As a coach, business owner, and member of several recreational and fraternal organizations, Ed is truly a renaissance man when it comes to community engagement, and to those who know Ed, it is no mystery why he has been selected to receive this award.

Few people can claim involvement in as many different aspects of their community as Ed. He has served as a basketball coach at the Junior Varsity, Junior High School and Pee Wee levels, including traveling all-star teams. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Shriners International, the Masonic Society, and the East Millinocket Recreation Committee. Perhaps most famously, Ed owned and operated the Hamlet Motel, later known as the Hamlet Pub, from 1976 to 2011. The Hamlet served as a home base and meeting point for many in the community, especially the athletes of Schenck High School who frequently enjoyed meals there before major competitions. The Hamlet's slogan, ``you are a stranger here but once,'' truly exemplifies Ed's attitude towards those in his community.

On Thursday, October 17, 2013, at Medway Middle School, Ed Hamm, Jr. will be recognized for his extraordinary record in community service during a dinner and awards ceremony.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing East Millinocket's Hometown Hero, Ed Hamm, Jr., for his outstanding community service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of Farmington, Maine, who continue to aid and assist the residents of their ``sister city,'' the town of Lac-Megantic, a small town located near the Canadian border.

Early on the morning of July 6, 2013, a train derailment and horrendous explosion devastated the center of this scenic lake-side town of 6,000 residents. 40 buildings were destroyed, 47 people lost their lives, 2,000 residents were displaced and countless lives were forever changed. The heroism of the local fire department aided by fire crews from the Franklin County towns of Chesterville, Eustis, Farmington, New Vineyard, Phillips, Rangeley and Strong helped to avert an even greater tragedy.

In rural Maine, people know what it means to be a good neighbor, and I am heartened by the outpouring of support that has come from the local communities. Four days after the tragedy, local business leaders and municipalities joined together to launch the Lac-Megantic Relief Fund, a fundraising campaign to assist the town to recover from this disaster. At last report, over $32,000 has been raised, and I know that this generosity will help the town through this difficult time.

On Saturday, October 12, 2013, a benefit concert will be held in the University of Maine at Farmington's South Dining Hall, and the community will host Lac-Megantie's mayor, police chief and head of the Chamber of Commerce. I want to thank Farmington Selectman Ryan Morgan, the Wilton Selectmen, and Maine State Senator Tom Saviello for their hard work in organizing what will be a wonderful evening of entertainment, fellowship and solidarity.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring all of the first-responder heroes who responded to the Lac-Megantic tragedy and those fellow Mainers who continue to support this community as it rebuilds and recovers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Maine at Farmington as it begins celebrating its sesquicentennial this academic year.

More than 150 years ago, teachers from Franklin County petitioned the Maine State Legislature to establish a State Normal School. In March 1863, after heated debate, the Legislature passed the Normal School Act. That fall, Farmington was chosen as the site for the Western State Normal School, the first public institution of higher learning in the State of Maine. Originally a teachers' college with an emphasis on liberal arts, the Western State Normal School first opened its doors on August 24, 1864 to 31 students who convened in the attic of a building in downtown Farmington. Over 100 years and several name changes later, the school merged into the University of Maine System in 1968 and became formally known as the University of Maine at Farmington, or UMF, in 1971.

UMF currently enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and the world. It continues to be a national leader in producing exceptional teaching professionals that have a direct impact on the state of Maine. Approximately seventeen percent of Maine's educators earned their degree from the University of Maine at Farmington, including four of the last six Maine ``Teacher of the Year'' recipients. In addition to maintaining its commitment to training quality educators, UMF has made efforts to strengthen other academic areas, such as the arts and sciences, health, and rehabilitation.

Today, October 9th, also known as Charter Day, marks 150 years to the day since the Maine Legislature signed the school's charter and is the highlight of the Sesquicentennial celebration. The day's events feature a ceremony honoring notable dignitaries, an array of cultural events, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the restoration of Abbot Park, and an evening of visual and performing art. The anniversary will continue to be observed throughout the academic year focusing on the six key academic disciplines of education, psychology, English, biology, mathematics and history. I am proud to have the opportunity to share the impressive accomplishments of the University of Maine at Farmington and look forward to watching the University continue its growth during the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University of Maine at Farmington as they celebrate their sesquicentennial.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Redington Memorial Home as it celebrates its 75th year of providing quality, affordable, assisted living to Maine's seniors.

More than 75 years ago, John R. McClellan bequeathed his will funds to transform the former home of Civil War General Russell B. Shepard into an affordable and safe retirement residence for the elderly women of the Skowhegan community. Since Redington Memorial Home first opened its doors on October 15, 1938, it has grown and prospered, offering a wide range of support and care for many senior citizens of Skowhegan, Maine.

Redington Home supports the individuality and independence of its residents, encouraging recreational fitness and social activities, as well as facilitating engagement in community affairs. It also provides a dining experience unmatched by most retirement homes, as the culinary staff offers a nutritious, diverse menu and accommodates the individual preferences of residents. Additionally, in 2007, Redington Home completed a significant expansion to provide state of the art facilities for its residents and to accommodate more of Maine's seniors.

On October 10, 2013, Redington Memorial Home will commemorate the 75th anniversary of its opening by hosting a reception with residents and members of the greater community. I am delighted to recognize the accomplishments of this wonderful facility and look forward to its continued success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Redington Memorial Home on 75 years of exceptional service.