Michael Michaud

Michael H. Michaud has been a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Maine's 2nd Congressional District since 2003.

Iraq War
Rep. Michaud does not support the War in Iraq. He has sponsored several resolutions proposing that the government stop increasing (and in fact remove) troops in Iraq. He has also asked for more accountability in war funding and weapons in Iraq. In his own words, he says “A timetable should be set for withdrawal and we should look to the UN for assistance and cooperation.”

Mike honors the men and women that are serving the U.S.A in Iraq and Afghanistan. But he thinks that the best way to support our troop is to advocate for peace, stability, and security to the Middle East region. Mike is working hard to bring our troops home safely. By continuing the war, will not stop the U.S. military strength. Mike believes that “political, economic and social efforts are required to stabilize the Iraqi economy, re-establish an adequate quality-of-life for Iraqi citizens, and build trust and peaceful relations within Iraq and between Iraq and the rest of the world. “ Mike tends to have a liberal view on this issue.

Mike has supported: •	Redeploy Forces in Iraq: Encourages pursuing security and stability in Iraq through diplomacy. •	War Funding Accountability Act: Requires the Administration to provide more detail about how they spend allotted war funding. •	Military Installations in Iraq: States that the United States will not seek a permanent base within the sovereignty of Iraq.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Rep. Michaud supports the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Although he does not support the Clean Skies Act, he does support emissions control and fuel efficiency standards. He would also like to investigate the use of ethanol and other alternative fuel sources.Perhaps the most obvious demonstration of Rep. Michaud’s commitment to the environment is the reason he decided to run for State Congress in Maine. He says “…I first wanted to become a part of the Maine Legislature because I saw what pollution from my own mill, and others, was doing to the Penobscot River in the 1970s.” Since then, he has sponsored a resolution to improve the Acadia National Park. 

Mike worked for a mill on a nearby river, Penobscot River, and saw the effect that pollution has on the environment. So he became part of the Maine Legislature. He is committed to protecting “the rivers, mountains, and coasts of Maine as well as the livelihoods of those that live along and among them.” He believes that the best way to have economic growth should be to advance in environmental issues. Maine is a national leader in forestry, land conservation, recreation access, and clean energy initiatives. Maine and America should protect the environment and must lead the world in moving forward in global initiatives, which will protect the planet. 

He has supported the PENOBSCOT RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT. This project removed two dams, which restored the free flow of the Penobscot River, and constructed a passage for fish around a third. The effects of this project allowed eleven species of sea-run fish to return to their natural habitats within the Penobscot watershed. Mike also supported the LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) AND THE FOREST LEGACY PROGRAM, which preserves important lands and waters. Many lands have been saved and can be used by the public. Mike is very interested in the enviromnent and have a liberal view based on his legislation.

KEY LEGISLATION ON ENVIRONMENT •  CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 (H.R.6):would reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy. •  Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act (H.R.39): would add lands within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to the National Wilderness Preservation System, permanently protecting these lands from oil and gas development. •  Buildings for the 21st Century Act (H.R.539): would amend the Internal Revenue Code to increase the allowable amount of the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building costs, extending the deduction through 2013. •  Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 (H.R.569): would provide $1.7 billion over five years for sewer overflow control grant assistance, which will help municipalities fund projects to protect the nations waters from wastewater pollution. •  Climate Stewardship Act of 2007 (H.R.620): would set limits and establish cap and trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. H.R.620 aims for a 75% reduction below today’s levels by 2050. •  H.R.1331: would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow an alternative motor vehicle tax credit for plug-in hybrid motor vehicles. •  Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2007 (H.R.1422): would provide landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. •  Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2007 (H.R.1464): would direct the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance for projects for the conservation of rare felids and rare canids, and establishes in the Multinational Species Conservation Fund as a separate account the Great Cats and Rare Canids Conservation Fund. •  Fuel Economy Reform Act (H.R.1506): would increase fuel economy standards for automobiles. •  Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Program Establishment Act (H.R.1533): would establish a national-scale mercury monitoring program, requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor long-term changes in mercury levels in the air and watersheds, mercury levels in water and soil chemistry, and mercury levels in plants and animals. •  Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2007(H.R.1551): would reauthorize a number of agricultural programs, including initiatives promoting alternative energy development. •  Safe Climate Act of 2007 (H.R.1590): would set limits and establish cap and trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Safe Climate Act would freeze U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2010, at 2009 levels, and aims for an 80% reduction by 2050. •  Rural Wind Energy Development Act (H.R.1772): would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide credits for the installation of wind energy property, including by rural homeowners, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, and for other purposes. •  School Building Enhancement Act (H.R.3197): would provide assistance to schools to make energy efficient upgrades to their facilities. 

Veteran's health
On May 23, 2007, the House considered the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007 (H.R.2199), sponsored by Rep. Michaud, which would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide certain improvements in the treatment of individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Specifically, the bill would call for the following: The bill passed 421-0.
 * The Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs shall establish a program to screen veterans eligible for hospital care, medical services and nursing home care for symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
 * Within a year, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress on the number of veterans screened under the program, the prevalence of traumatic brain injury symptoms among those screened and recommendations for improving care and services to veterans exhibiting symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
 * The program is to be long-term for post-acute traumatic brain injury rehabilitation to include residential, community and home-based treatment components. The activities will center on the establishment of up to five geographically dispersed polytrauma network centers. The centers will conduct research on traumatic brain injury care, provide education and training and develop and improve models and systems for furnishing the care. The development of innovative clinical activities is required.
 * The program is available to veterans who served on active duty in a theater or combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War or in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998. The veteran must be diagnosed as suffering from moderate to severe traumatic brain injury and is unable to manage routine activities of daily living without supervision or assistance.
 * Outreach with care services to rural veterans would be met with a three year pilot program funded at $7.5 million for FY 2008. Two mobile Vet Centers would be established in Veteran Integrated Service Networks 1, 16, 19, 20 and 23. An advisory committee is also established to oversee outreach and programs for rural veterans.

Rep. Michaud has also received rankings of 100% from both the Disabled American Veterans and the American Veterans. 

Health Care
Mike believes that health Care is one of the most important issues facing us today. He is committed to advancing a health care system with many new benefits such as: lower prices, better access, and full coverage. Mike has endorsed many bills that impact a variety of health care issues like including disease prevention, public health efforts, expanded access to care, and increased access to affordable prescription drugs. Since he is the chairman of the subcommittee of Veterans’ Affairs of Health, he has taken the issue oh health care very seriously. He is a big supporter of stem cell research. Mike believes that stem cell research can help life saving techniques the government should fund stem cell research more than they do. 

Education
Rep. Michaud has sponsored and cosponsored a lot of legislation on education. He sponsored an amendment to the G.I. Bill to expand the number of educational institutions covered by it. He has cosponsored several bills to increase funding for educational programs, especially college loans and scholarships, and cosponsored the Student Bill of Rights. He also cosponsored The College Fire Prevention Act and the Gifted and Talented Education Enhancement Act. 

Mike believes that every child should have the opportunity to receive a quality education. But education is not getting enough funding from the federal government. Policies such as No Child Left Behind Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act have “strapped Maine taxpayers to foot the bill for the increasing education costs.” .” In 2001 Congress approved the No Child Left Behind Act because it promised to send federal money to the nation’s school. Though, the Bush Administration had failed at this. Since the act has been passed, the national government has given over $53 billion less in its funding than it had promised. Mike dislikes these acts. He had cosponsored legislation that would fully fund the No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. He is nervous to have higher education available to more Americans through the Higher Education Act. For many first generation students in college in Maine, financial barriers play a key roll in determining whether or not they will successfully complete college. Every American should have a fair chance to attend college and decide their own future. This is a responsibility of Congress and Mike plans to carry this out.

Intrest Group Ratings
Interest group Ratings 1.	Abortion Issues •	In 2007 NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Representative Michaud a grade of 100.

2.	Agricultural Issues •	In 2007 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the National Association of Wheat Growers 78%. •	In 2007 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the National Council of Agricultural Employers 0%. •	In 2007 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the United Fresh Produce Association 100%.

3.	Animal Rights and Wildlife Issues •	In 2007-2008 Big Cat Rescue gave Representative Michaud a grade of 66. •	In 2007 Representative Michaud supported the interests of The Humane Society of the United States 67%.

4.	Act and Humanities •	In 2006 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the Americans for the Arts Action Fund 100%.

5.	Budget Spending and Taxes •	In 2007-2008 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the National Tax Limitation Committee 0%. •	In 2007 Americans for Tax Reform gave Representative Michaud a grade of 0% •	In 2007 National Taxpayers Union gave Representative Michaud a grade of F.

6.	Business and Consumers •	In 2007-2008 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the Associated General Contractors of America 62% •	In 2007 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee 0% •	In 2007 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 55%

7.	Civil Liberties and Civil Rights •	In 2007-2008 Human Rights Campaign gave Representative Michaud a grade of 85% •	In 2007 American Civil Liberties Union gave Representative Michaud a grade of 100% •	Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Arab American Institute's position, Representative Michaud received a rating of 75% •	In 2007 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Arab American Institute's position, Representative Michaud received a rating of 75% •	In 2007 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 96%

8.	Education •	In 2007-2008 National Education Association gave Representative Michaud a grade of A. •	In 2007 American Association of University Women gave Representative Michaud a grade of 100% •	In 2007 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the National Association for College Admission Counseling 62%

9.	Environmental Issues •	In 2008 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the Environment America 92% •	In 2007 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to American Land Rights Association's position, Representative Michaud received a rating of 8.

10.	Family and Children Issues •	In 2007-2008 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the Family Research Council 11%. •	In 2007 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Children's Defense Fund's position, Representative Michaud received a rating of 100.

11.	Health Issues •	In 2007 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the Alliance For Headache Disorders Advocacy 0% •	In 2007 Representative Michaud supported the interests of the American Academy of Family Physicians 100% 

Bio
Michaud was born January 18, 1955 in Millinocket, Maine. He grew up in Medway, Maine, and was a mill worker before entering politics. His political career began when he campaigned to clean up the Penobscot River. He was elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 1980, and to the Maine Senate in 1994. He was unanimously elected President of the Maine Senate in 2000. Rep. Michaud is the second of six children and the first Franco-American to represent Maine in Congress. He has a close connection to labor unions after being a member of the one at the mill where he worked for thirty years. Rep. Michaud attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University and holds Doctors of Public Service from Unity and Husson Colleges. 

Congressional career
Michaud was first elected to the House in 2002, narrowly defeating Republican Kevin Raye in the race to replace John Baldacci (who was elected Governor). In a reverse of most Congressional races, Democrat Michaud was the pro-life candidate while Republican Raye was pro-choice. Michaud was the only freshman Democratic member of Congress to vote for the 2003 ban on partial-birth abortion. He was re-elected in 2004, defeating Republican Brian Hamel of Presque Isle by a large margin. On his legislative priorities, Michaud says “My priorities continue to be the need to lower prescription drug prices, reform our trade policies and invest in economic development. I sponsored legislation to allow the government to negotiate for lower drug prices for all Americans, legislation to repeal fast track negotiating authority to allow Congress the opportunity to amend trade deals and legislation to create an economic development commission to improve the econom[y] in rural parts of the Northe[a]st like Maine's Second District.”

2006 elections
In 2006, the Republicans nominated Laurence S. D'Amboise to face Michaud in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) Michaud retained his seat.

Money in politics
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Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Small Business
 * Subcommittee on Finance and Tax
 * Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship
 * House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, & Emergency Management
 * Subcommittee on Highways, Transit & Pipelines
 * Subcommittee on Railroads
 * House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
 * Subcommittee on Health -Chair

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Small Business
 * Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises Agriculture and Technology
 * Subcommittee on Tax Finance and Exports
 * House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * Subcommittee on Economic Development Public Buildings & Emergency Management
 * Subcommittee on Highways Transit and Pipelines
 * House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
 * Subcommittee on Health - Ranking Minority Member

Affiliations

 * Public Advisory Committee, Population Institute
 * Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democrats

Articles and Resources

 * Official website