Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen Rollins upon his retirement after twenty-five years of public service as Town Administrator and Town Manager of Hanover.

Mr. Rollins' career in public service began in 1973 when he worked for the Illinois Department of Local Government Affairs following his graduation from The University of Vermont. Since then, he has proved himself to be an innovative and efficient administrator in a variety of public service roles. He was a leader in the centralization of the Hanover town government, and was instrumental in streamlining the town's process for grants and expenditures. Mr. Rollins has received national recognition for his work on Hanover's health plan and local praise for his simplification of the town's yearly budget.

As town administrator, Mr. Rollins demonstrated his flexibility and leadership ability. Not only were these characteristics seen in the day-to-day operations of local government, but they were also evident in crisis situations--perhaps, most memorably, when Hanover's town hall was severely damaged in a fire. As de facto contractor overseeing the town hall's renovations, Mr. Rollins repeatedly demonstrated his ability to improvise and assume unconventional roles when necessary. It was therefore very fitting when he was given the title of Town Manager in August of 2010, and became the town's first person to occupy this position. In his role as a representative of Hanover, Mr. Rollins typified the best of what the town has to offer. Always putting the community first, he dedicated his career to making local government work for the people.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Stephen Rollins on this remarkable occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing him a wonderful retirement and many years of happiness, as well as in thanking him for working tirelessly to build the town of Hanover into the beautiful community we know today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 175th birthday of The Patriot Ledger, the long-standing newspaper of record for Massachusetts' South Shore communities.

Headquartered and published in Quincy since its inception, The Patriot Ledger is one of Massachusetts' oldest local daily newspapers and serves twenty-six communities on the South Shore with approximately 55,000 residents in its circulation. Founded on January 7, 1837, the paper was originally known as the Quincy Patriot and was once the hometown newspaper of President John Quincy Adams. When Adams was serving in the House of Representatives following his presidency, he frequently wrote letters to the editor regarding the many issues that the House was facing at the time, such as the abolishment of slavery, the admission of Texas as a state, and the heated debates that Members of Congress often had with one another. The Patriot Ledger has served as a trusted chronicler of local and national news ever since, and it continues to be one of the region's most popular daily papers.

In addition to providing important and reliable news to the South Shore every day, The Patriot Ledger has frequently been at the forefront of many aspects of newspaper production and technology. In the 1950's, experimentation by the paper's printing staff led to the development of the first practical photo-typesetting machine, an innovation that attracted the attention of newspaper executives around the world. The paper was also among the first in the nation to establish zoned editions for local news and advertising, and it paved the way in establishing many other modern features of the print news industry. Such features pioneered by The Patriot Ledger include the use of 35-millimeter photography, the transmission of daily editions to the printer via facsimile, the use of a computer editing system, and the installation of a two-way radio system for spot news coverage. While many newspapers struggle with the technological advancements of the twenty-first century, The Patriot Ledger continues to grow and move forward.

As a result of its excellence in reporting and its frequent innovation, The Patriot Ledger has been the recipient of many awards throughout its 175-year tenure. It was named as the New England Press Association's Newspaper of the Year in 2005 and 2006, and won the title of the New England Newspaper Association's Newspaper of the Year in 2007. Among the awards The Patriot Ledger received in 2011 were seven national journalism awards from Suburban Newspapers of America and six additional awards from the New England Associated Press News Executives Association. Already this year, the paper has been awarded two national prizes from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, including the General Excellence award for the paper's business section. Notably, The Patriot Ledger was the only daily paper with a circulation of less than 100,000 to be recognized.

Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to honor The Patriot Ledger as the newspaper celebrates 175 years of publication. I fondly remember reading it when I was young and look forward to reading it for many more years to come. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this great paper that has long been woven into the fabric of our country's history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Steven Patrick Moynihan for being awarded a James Madison Fellowship.

This extremely competitive fellowship is directed toward current and prospective teachers of American history and civic studies, and it supports such individuals as they study the principles of the Constitution of the United States. Founded by Congress in 1986 and named in honor of the fourth president of the United States--the credited ``Father of our Constitution and Bill of Rights,'' the award aims to recognize distinguished teachers and to strengthen their knowledge of the origins and progression of American constitutional governance.

This year, only 58 fellowships were awarded and Mr. Moynihan, a teacher at Barnstable High School in Hyannis, Massachusetts, was selected for one among the applicants from across the nation. The James Madison Fellowship will fund up to $24,000 of Mr. Moynihan's course of study toward an advanced degree.

Mr. Speaker, it always brings me great pride to honor a dedicated and deserving teacher, such as Steven Patrick Moynihan. I congratulate him for being awarded a James Madison Fellowship and urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of this award and of Mr. Moynihan's service to the students of Barnstable.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize A Safe Place, its Board of Trustees, its counselors, and its volunteers as the organization celebrates its milestone of twenty-five years of service to the community.

A Safe Place is an organization on Nantucket that helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as they start over and rebuild their lives. They were founded in 1987 by five members of the Nantucket Women's Bar Association and, since then, have continued to provide free and confidential services to these survivors. Over the years, the organization's outreach has expanded to also include specialized assistance to children whose lives have been affected by violence in the home.

Today, A Safe Place provides a 24-hour hotline that people can call when they are in immediate need of assistance, and its counselors often will meet with survivors in the local hospital or police station as soon as the need arises. It has even organized a network of ``safe houses'' on the island through its Safe Home initiative, a program though which volunteers offer emergency accommodation in their own homes to those leaving an abusive situation. The organization provides assistance with relocation as survivors work to rebuild their lives. When a survivor must confront her abuser in court, a counselor from A Safe Place is often right by her side. A Safe Place offers comfort and assistance to hundreds of people each year, and it is considered to be an invaluable service to the Nantucket community by local law enforcement and healthcare providers.

Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to honor A Safe Place, its Board of Trustees, its counselors and its volunteers as the organization celebrates twenty-five years of service. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of this organization to the Nantucket community and its significance to those whose lives have been changed by its support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Chatham, Massachusetts, a small, quaint town that has long been synonymous with the beauty of Cape Cod.

In 1606, Samuel de Champlain was the first European to traverse the area now known as Chatham. At the time of Champlain's arrival and until William Nickerson purchased land in 1656, the area was inhabited by the Monomoyick people. In 1664, William Nickerson settled his family in the area and eventually founded the town forty-eight years later on June 11, 1712.

The first 100 years of Chatham's recorded history indicate a struggle to establish a stable population and economy. The French and Indian Wars and the smallpox epidemic of 1760 claimed lives and money from the residents of the new town. After the Revolutionary War, however, fishing exports, whaling, ship building and salt production flourished, fueling the growth of the local economy.

By the late 1800's, the town began to benefit from the growing popularity of seaside vacationing. Wealthy vacationers and summer residents provided the basis for the new economic growth, and the popularity of this seaside haven among vacationers continued to expand throughout the 20th century. By 1950, the summer population of 5,000 greatly outnumbered 2,457 year-round residents.

Present day Chatham has continued its expansion and popularity. The small-town charm and pristine coastline have kept generations of vacationers and summer residents coming back each year.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the 300th anniversary of Chatham, Massachusetts. May this beautiful Massachusetts town flourish for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 300th Anniversary of Abington, Massachusetts, a town that represents the pioneering spirit that helped launch America.

In 1650, the land that would eventually become Abington was purchased from the great leader Massasoit and the Wampanoag tribe. The shoemaking, lumbering and milling trades all helped the town develop in its early days, as colonists forged their way in their new home. As our young nation approached its most difficult trial--the Civil War-- Abington became closely associated with the Abolition movement, holding open-air Abolition meetings as early as the 1840s. It also expanded its hold on certain trades. During the Civil War, half of the Union Army's shoes were manufactured in Abington. And the town's contribution to the lumber and milling industries greatly contributed to the Commonwealth's economic development.

The development of the Old Colony Railroad in 1845 connected Abington to Boston, allowing residents to easily commute between the two places. Approximately 25 years later, Abington was divided, with Rockland and Whitman becoming independent towns. Today, with a population of over 15,000 residents, Abington still stands as an important town and a proud suburb of the Commonwealth's capital.

Among its storied history, however, is an even more important fact. The Town of Abington has an unwavering tradition of loyalty with an exceptional record of community service dating back to the Civil War, when residents tried to help better the lives of those who had fled to the Union. The town has also been recognized for its contributions to the Old Colony & Fall River Railroads, which service residents throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the town of Abington and the entire Abington community on the celebration of their 300 years of service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to the United States. May this beautiful Massachusetts town flourish for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 375th anniversary of the town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, a beautiful coastal haven on the State's historic South Shore.

While the town itself was incorporated in 1637, people have inhabited the area for as much as 12,000 years. The Wampanoag tribe called the area now known as Duxbury ``Mattakesset,'' meaning ``place of many fish.'' Indeed, Duxbury is blessed with bountiful natural resources, including not only fish but shellfish, cranberries, rivers, ponds and idyllic beaches. Its English name was chosen by Myles Standish--an officer serving as a military advisor to the Pilgrims--who named it after Duxbury Woods in Great Britain.

Colonists in Duxbury fought in several early American wars, and during the Revolutionary War, the town maintained a militia of 60 minutemen under the leadership of Ichabod Alden. One of Duxbury's first natives, George Partridge, went on to represent the State of Massachusetts at the Continental Congress and was elected to the First Continental Congress.

The fishing industry developed rapidly after the Revolutionary War, when fishing rights were granted following the Treaty of Paris. What began as a small operation involving no more than a few families with two-masted schooners eventually grew into the largest ship-building port in the world. At the peak of the shipbuilding era, Duxbury boasted 20 shipyards and produced an average of 10 large sailing vessels every year. Eventually, swift clippers that required deep harbors superseded the brigs built in the shallower waters surrounding Duxbury, and the center of American shipbuilding shifted to Boston. However, several historical monuments to this era remain standing today.

The shift in the shipbuilding industry made way for a new industry to dominate Duxbury's economy--tourism. Thanks to its coastal location and natural beauty, Duxbury soon became a popular summer resort destination. Several area landmarks were built during this period, including the 130-foot Myles Standish Monument. The elegant Standish Hotel, originally built to accommodate the influx of summer visitors, survives today as two private residences.

Duxbury's population further boomed with the construction of Route 3, which made Boston and the surrounding region more accessible. The rapid growth that occurred in subsequent years helped shape Duxbury into the vibrant community it is today.

Mr. Speaker, the 375th anniversary of Duxbury is an opportunity both to reflect on its past accomplishments and look forward to its future. Its long history embodies the richness of American history and the indomitable spirit of the American people. May this remarkable Massachusetts town flourish for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th Anniversary of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce plays an essential role in the Cape Cod community, networking local businesses and offering visitors an insider's perspective on much of what the Cape has to offer.

Founded in 1922, the Chamber of Commerce has grown to represent almost 1,400 members. From charities and museums to banks, churches and wildlife sanctuaries, the Chamber represents a diverse array of organizations on the Cape that help to define its unique character. These businesses provide vital services to both residents and visitors. Without the hard work the Chamber has done over the course of its long history, and without the numerous organizations it represents, the business community on the Cape could never have developed the vitality and ingenuity that makes it so remarkable.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and its CEO, Wendy Northcross--as well as the hundreds of business and organizations that make it all possible--for their years of hard work. I am certain the Chamber's and their member organizations' futures will be bright.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Cape Verdean Historical Trust, its members and the upcoming So Sabi! exhibit. On June 16th, So Sabi! will open its doors and invite the public to explore Cape Verdean music, art and literature and the influence of the oldest Creole culture in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

So Sabi! allows all residents of Massachusetts--those of Cape Verdean descent and those not--to learn and appreciate the impact those first immigrants have had on shaping the modern culture and economy of our Commonwealth, where nearly 300,000 descendents of Cape Verdean immigrants make their home. My district, which includes Cape Cod, the Islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and the towns of Southeastern Massachusetts, is home to the fastest growing Cape Verdean populations in the United States. This comes as no surprise, given the stark similarities in lifestyle and resources between the Commonwealth and this island community.

In the mid 19th century, Cape Verdean migrants flocked to New England ports on whaling vessels in pursuit of prosperity and opportunity. Today, many of Massachusetts' fishermen still bear the names of their Cape Verdean grandparents. These settlers easily transitioned into the fishing and agricultural sectors--helping the early whaling, commercial fishing and cranberry industries blossom with their sailing and harvesting expertise. In fact, several Cape Verdean publications and journals live on in Southeastern Massachusetts--allowing Cape Verdean- Americans to keep their culture's stories and traditions alive.

It brings me great pride to note that the opening of So Sabi! coincides with the second Millennium Challenge Corporation compact awarded to the nation of Cape Verde. This historic award marks the first time that the Millennium Challenge Corporation has approved a second compact for any country. This decision was based on Cape Verde's remarkable achievements in reducing poverty through sustainable economic growth and domestic efforts that the nation has made as a result of its first grant. I was proud to support Cape Verde's endorsement for a second compact, and prouder still to recognize the magnitude of Cape Verde's accomplishments in my capacity as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. Speaker, as the Cape Verdean Historical Trust proudly unveils its So Sabi! exhibit in honor of Massachusetts' Cape Verdean culture and the nation of Cape Verde welcomes its second compact from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the historical and educational significance of the June 16th event.

Mr. Speaker, with respect and admiration I, along with my colleague, Ms. Tsongas gather today to recognize June as National Scoliosis Awareness Month, and to reaffirm our commitment to fighting a potentially debilitating medical condition that afflicts over 7 million Americans.

National Scoliosis Awareness Month brings together all members of the scoliosis community, including physicians, patients, families, and businesspeople to raise awareness and educate the public about this condition. Diagnosing scoliosis is a simple procedure that takes less than 30 seconds, and early detection allows physicians to monitor the condition and, if necessary, begin treatment before serious complications--including chronic back pain and impacted heart and lung function--even begin. Raising awareness is therefore crucial to the fight against scoliosis.

Between two and three percent of the American population suffers from scoliosis, and the number of family and friends who are impacted by this condition numbers many millions more. While serious complications of scoliosis are largely preventable, affordable care and public awareness are necessary in order to maximize the effectiveness of treatment. National Scoliosis Awareness Month promotes a positive public awareness message that elevates the visibility of scoliosis and empowers those individuals whose lives have been touched by this condition. It is a time for us to recommit ourselves to reducing its impact in the future.

Mr. Speaker, please join us in recognizing June as National Scoliosis Awareness Month, and in thanking organizations such as the National Scoliosis Foundation and the Scoliosis Research Society, as well as their many supporters, for making it all possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Cancer Survivors Day celebration that will be cosponsored by Falmouth Hospital, Cape Cod Healthcare, and the Falmouth Public Library.

National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual and honored worldwide celebration of life that is held in hundreds of communities across the globe. Participants in these events unite on the first Sunday in June to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive. The local Cape Cod event, to be cosponsored by Falmouth Hospital, Cape Cod Healthcare and Falmouth Public Library, is part of a biannual celebration for cancer survivors and caregivers of upper Cape Cod. At the event, the ``Survivors Quilt,'' or the Quilt of Hope, will be unveiled, which is made up of handmade squares contributed by local cancer survivors to celebrate their resilience and determination.

The cosponsors of the Cape's National Cancer Survivors Day event are local leaders who have led the effort to eradicate cancer and to assist cancer patients, their caregivers, and survivors. Cape Cod Healthcare, which is one of the top ten healthcare systems in the nation, provides the latest diagnostic imaging technology at health facilities throughout the Cape. As for Falmouth Hospital, its cancer program has received significant endorsements from accreditation agencies, such as the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Falmouth Hospital's Clark Cancer Center provides local access to the latest, most sophisticated, and most reliable cancer therapies available, and is the only hospital in which many Cape Cod residents can receive such treatments. Additionally, the hospital's Seifer Women's Health and Imaging Center, along with the Wilkens Outpatient Medical Complex in Hyannis, are the two Cape Cod Healthcare centers that provide certain types of digital screening and diagnostic services to Cape residents. The work of these organizations is invaluable to the local community, as the American Cancer Society estimates that Massachusetts will see over 38,000 new cancer diagnoses this year.

Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to honor these local organizations in their continuous fight against cancer and to commemorate their celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of their work in the local community as well as the significance of National Cancer Survivors Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of nine-year- old Brendan Haas, a resident of Kingston, Massachusetts, who has displayed the most profound sense of generosity and caring to the family of a fallen soldier.

In February, Brendan set up a Facebook page called ``A Soldier for a Soldier,'' which involves ``trading up'' items for something bigger and better. His intention was always to donate the best item he received to a military family. Through this project, Brendan began with a single toy soldier and spent three months dedicated to trading for bigger and better things before he received the item he wanted to donate. Brendan then held a raffle with the names of families across the country and ended up drawing the name Liberty Hope Steele, the daughter of Timothy Steele, a soldier from his native Massachusetts who was killed in Afghanistan last August. On Memorial Day, Brendan presented the Steele family with a free vacation to Disney World.

Brendan's generosity knows no bounds, as he recently demonstrated a second time. Recognized for his actions during the morning telecast of ``Good Morning America,'' Brendan was informed that the Walt Disney Company was awarding him and his family an all-expense paid vacation to Disney World for what he had done on behalf of the Steele family. Brendan; however, refused to accept the trip for himself; instead, he said it would be raffled away to another military family.

This type of selflessness is years beyond what we would expect of a young boy. Brendan has made his community and his country very proud.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Brendan Haas for his remarkable spirit, dedication and generosity. I know we will see more great things from him in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Family Pantry of Cape Cod and its dedicated staff and volunteers.

The Family Pantry of Cape Cod has consistently provided such essentials as food and clothing to those in need for nearly 23 years. The organization serves an average of 900 families each month, making it the largest food pantry on Cape Cod, and has more than doubled the supply of food and services to those in need over the past five years. They do this not with a large budget, but with a very dedicated set of volunteers, embodying the spirit

of community and reminding us all what it truly means to be a good neighbor.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Family Pantry of Cape Cod as it continues to fight against hunger in Massachusetts today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Lussier, President and CEO of Webster First Federal Credit Union, as he completes his tenure as Chairman of the Board at the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU). Elected to the NAFCU Board in 2005, Mike has been a devoted and effective leader in the credit union industry.

Given the challenges the country faces in recovering from the financial crisis, Mike's responsibilities as chair have been particularly strenuous. Nonetheless, he has done a masterful job balancing his time as Chairman of the NAFCU Board and his responsibilities at Webster First Federal Credit Union where he first became President/CEO in 1990 at the age of 29. Originally founded as a Polish-ethnic credit union in the 1920's, Webster First currently serves over 47,000 member-owners in Massachusetts' Worcester, Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties.

Throughout his tenure as Chairman of the NAFCU Board of Directors, Mike has been a tireless advocate for credit unions and the members they proudly serve. He has testified before both chambers of Congress on regulatory relief issues for credit unions ranging from member business lending to those stemming from the Dodd-Frank financial reform legislation signed into law in 2010. Mike is also currently a board member of Mass Share Insurance Corp (MSIC) and on the board of Pentegra Retirement Services. Over the years, he has been a trustee of Becker College, on the boards of the Better Business Bureau, Rotary Club, local hospitals, and the American Red Cross. Mike is also a licensed General Aviation Pilot.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Michael Lussier as he reaches the end of his tenure as the NAFCU Board Chairman. It is my understanding that Mike will remain on the NAFCU Board in another capacity and I am sure his experience in credit union management will continue to be an asset to the NAFCU and the larger credit union community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as co-chair of the Congressional Lupus Caucus, to recognize and honor Lupus Awareness Week. As Members of Congress, we need to do all that we can to get the word out about this little understood, yet life-threatening autoimmune disease.

Lupus affects 1.5 million Americans, of which 90% are female, yet no one patient experiences the same pattern of symptoms. In fact, a wide variety of medications must be used to treat the disease since the manifestations of Lupus vary dramatically from one person to another.

Unfortunately, many more people suffer in silence as they have yet to be diagnosed with Lupus. Many symptoms of Lupus mimic those of other illnesses, and symptoms can come and go over time, which makes diagnosis difficult. Consequently, an accurate diagnosis of Lupus can take as long as four years and usually comes after visits to more than three physicians.

But, through Lupus awareness month and other grassroots efforts to raise awareness, more and more people with Lupus are leading healthier lives and living longer than at any time in history.

Furthermore, researchers are working to better understand the complexity of lupus and are making great strides in the quest for more effective treatments. Today, there are more than two dozen potential drugs for Lupus in the development pipeline.

Lupus is still complex and unpredictable, but with each day that passes, we are coming closer to greater relief from this disease. For this reason, I will continue to raise awareness and do what I can to secure the resources needed to build upon the steady strides already achieved in Lupus research and development.