[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 124 (Friday, September 14, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        STOLEN VALOR ACT OF 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize yesterday's 
passage in the House of H.R. 1775, the Stolen Valor Act.
  I, unfortunately, was not able to vote on passage of this important 
bill because of a commitment back in my district. I joined with New 
Balance associates at the factory in Norridgewock, Maine to press U.S. 
Trade Representative Ron Kirk on the importance of preserving current 
footwear tariffs, which are threatened by the Trans-Pacific 
Partnership, a multinational free trade agreement that is currently 
being negotiated. I truly appreciated Ambassador Kirk's visit and the 
opportunity to join him and New Balance's highly skilled workers, but I 
regret that this prevented me from helping to pass H.R. 1775, the 
Stolen Valor Act.
  Had I been able to be present for the vote, I would have vote for the 
Stolen Valor Act. This Act appropriately creates penalties for 
individuals who benefit from lying about military decorations or 
medals. Our service members and veterans make an unparalleled 
commitment to our nation. They earn military honors through their 
sacrifices, and I am pleased that the Stolen Valor Act has passed the 
House to better protect the interests of those who have served our 
country.

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