Madeleine Bordallo

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Lieutenant General Wallace ``Chip'' Gregson, a retired Marine, for his more than forty years of public service. He most recently served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs since 2009, and will leave this post on April 1, 2011. His contributions to our military's posture in the Asia-Pacific region and leadership on a wide variety of issues will be missed by many. Before he retired from active duty in 2005, General Gregson served as Commanding General of Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Forces Central Command, where he managed more than 70,000 Marines and Sailors in the Middle East, Afghanistan, East Africa, Asia, and the United States. Prior to his command of Marine Corps Forces in Japan, he was Director of Asia-Pacific Policy in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. He has also served as the Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. Olympics Committee. General Gregson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968, and received his first assignment the following year as a reconnaissance battalion officer in the Vietnam conflict. He later earned master's degrees in strategic planning from the U.S. Naval War College and international relations from Salve Regina College. He has also served as a military fellow for the Council on Foreign Relations, and was awarded an honorary doctorate in public service from the University of Maryland. Throughout his career, the general's exemplary service earned him numerous awards and military decorations--including the Purple Heart. In his recent position with the Department of Defense, General Gregson recognized the strategic importance of Guam, indeed the entire region to our nation's economic and political security. He was a vanguard in leading efforts within the Department of Defense to address the needs of Guam so that the realignment of Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force from Okinawa, Japan is successful. He also immediately worked within the Department of Defense to address glaring issues with the realignment roadmap that could have been detrimental to the readiness of U.S. Marines in the Asia-Pacific region. Further, General Gregson was instrumental in the development of the ``Green Guam'' concept which aims to conduct the realignment of Marines in an environmental responsible manner. Further it seeks to develop long-term economic and environmental sustainability benefits from this action. I also appreciated his efforts to provide a responsible framework in the most recent Quadrennial Defense Review to address broader training issues for all servicemen and women in the Pacific. I look forward to working with his predecessor and U.S. Pacific Command to continue addressing these matters. General Gregson distinguished himself as an exceptional leader during his career in the Marines and as an Assistant Secretary of Defense. His commitment and dedication will be remembered for many years to come. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in wishing the very best to the good general, his wife Cindy, and their two sons, on their future endeavors.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Jose Espinosa Santos, former Commissioner of the Guam villages of Mongmong-Toto-Maite. Mr. Santos passed away at the age of 77 on March 9, 2011 at Parkview Community Hospital in Riverside, California. Mr. Santos was born in Guam on June 23, 1933 to Tomas Taitano and Joaquina Mata Espinosa Santos. In 1973, he was elected to serve as Commissioner for the villages of Mongmong-Toto-Maite, in Guam. After serving for four years as Commissioner, Mr. Santos continued to serve Guam in several capacities within the Mayors' Council of Guam, including Special Assistant to the Chief Commissioner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Director. In addition to his public service, Mr. Espinosa was also active in the Catholic Community as an ordained Deacon for the Archdiocese of Agana at the Dulce Nombre De Maria Cathedral-Basilica. I join our community in mourning the loss of Jose Espinosa Santos, and I offer my condolences to his wife, Pilar Rosario Cepeda Santos, his 10 children, 27 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and his many families, friends, and loved ones. May God bless the family and friends of Jose Espinosa Santos, God bless Guam, and God bless the United States of America.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the bipartisan the Marine Debris Act Reauthorization Amendments of 2011 which was introduced earlier today by my friend and colleague Congressman Sam Farr, from California. I sponsored similar legislation in the 111th Congress and I commend Congressman Farr for recognizing the importance of this legislation and his efforts toward its reintroduction. Marine debris comes in many forms and from many sources, each posing as a threat to birds, fish and other wildlife, while also affecting navigational safety, and polluting our beaches. Once passed, this legislation will serve to reduce the adverse impacts marine debris has on our marine ecosystem, the economy, and public safety. NOAA's existing Marine Debris Program supports important projects throughout the country, including beach cleanups, derelict fishing gear location and removal, and educational campaigns. Oftentimes these projects will enlist the assistance of out-of-season fishermen and other members of coastal communities. The program helps to locate and track marine debris to avoid threats to navigational safety. This reauthorizing language would serve to streamline these programs by avoiding any overlaps or conflicts with other federal agencies. NOAA's Marine Debris Program directly benefits the environment and the economy of coastal communities throughout the nation. Our fisheries, recreation, and tourism industries are dependent on clean beaches and healthy marine ecosystems. Guam would greatly benefit from the passage of the Marine Debris Reauthorization as it would give states and local communities the additional tools we need to effectively protect our marine environments and wildlife. Again, I would like to thank Representative Farr for introducing this legislation, as well as Rep. Don Young, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, Rep. Donna Christensen, and Rep. Pedro Pierluisi for joining me as original cosponsors. I encourage my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to re-introduce a bill to expand the Federal Impact Aid Program to reimburse schools for the costs of educating students from the Freely Associated States (FAS), residing in the United States, including the territories. This legislation was H.R. 4695 in the 111th Congress and it enjoyed bipartisan support. Impact Aid was originally authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 1965 to compensate local school districts for the costs of educating federally connected children. Examples of these kinds of students include those whose parents live on military bases, live on Indian lands, or are the children of accredited foreign diplomats. However, the Impact Aid Program does not compensate local schools for the costs incurred by educating students from the FAS. The United States entered into the Compacts of Free Association with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau and under the Compacts, citizens of these countries can enter the United States without a visa. Thus, children whose parents are citizens of the FAS are in schools in the states and territories under a special immigration category and are federally connected just as children of military families are similarly federally connected. This legislation would provide a means for the federal government to provide assistance to impacted local education authorities. Mr. Speaker, the economic downturn has forced many local school districts to cut education budgets. This is a longstanding issue for affected jurisdictions and they need this to be redressed now more than ever. I will continue to make this, and all unreimbursed compact-impact funds, a priority in the 112th Congress. I would like to thank Mr. Faleomavaega, Mr. Sablan, Mr. Pierluisi, Mr. Honda, and Ms. Hanabusa for their support as original co-sponsors. I will work with these cosponsors to pass this bill.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of amendment #488 pre- printed in the Congressional Record. My amendment is simple and straightforward. It would fence off 24 million dollars for the ground- based augmentation system (GBAS) which is a critical component of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) next generation air traffic control system. GBAS is in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) National Airspace System Enterprise Architecture and the Next Generation (NextGen) Implementation Plan and is a foundational operational capability for international aviation. Over time, as aircraft equipage increases, GBAS will allow the FAA to decommission other ground based precision landing aids. It also facilitates the publication of safer, more efficient and highly accurate terminal arrival, departure and approach procedures. These more efficient terminal procedures will help to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel burn over the long run. Further, because of the operational flexibility of a system it will allow airports to quickly recover from natural disasters that can greatly deteriorate those airports landing approach vectors. But, we need to invest in this technology to get it to a Category 3 operational standard and this takes a commitment from the Congress, the FAA and the airlines. Since we are passing a year-long Continuing Resolution this will give the FAA a considerable amount of discretion in how it obligates funding for its facilities and equipment account. The significant cuts of almost $400 million to the facilities and equipment account could greatly hamper any true investment in GBAS or other critical components of the NextGen system. It is important for us to invest in the future safety of our skies now rather than later. To date, the FAA has shown a poor track record of supporting this critical part of the NextGen program and we want to ensure that the FAA knows Congress supports this important part of the program. I commend Congressman Tom Latham and Congressman John Olver, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies for their support of this program in the Omnibus bill. I look forward to working with them to ensure GBAS gets the support it deserves from the FAA.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chair, I rise today to oppose the drastic and reckless cuts my colleagues in the Majority have included in H.R. 1. This legislation includes cuts that will destroy jobs, pollute our environment, damage our schools, threaten public safety and impact nearly every aspect of our economy. They will not strengthen our nation, they will negatively impact our natural resources and inhibit future generation's ability to compete and innovate in the global economy. Specifically, H.R. 1 would reduce NOAA's operating budget by more than $450 million dollars, severely diminishing NOAA's ability to protect marine ecosystems, manage our nation's fisheries and provide weather monitoring data to weather sensitive industries. In addition, it will cut programs that provide life-saving services in every state and district. These irresponsible cuts will jeopardize thousands of jobs, threaten public safety and have lasting effects on our national and regional economies. Of particular concern to coastal regions like Guam, are threats to coral reef ecosystems and the fisheries and tourism industries they support. The US commercial fisheries industry alone accounts for more than $100 billion in annual sales and supports 1.5 million jobs, while the coastal recreation and tourism industry serves as one of the nation's largest employers. These industries are critical to the long- term economic success of coastal regions however they are significantly threatened by coral reef degradation due to pollution, and climate change. Without healthy coral reefs, fishery levels plummet, and tourism declines. Reducing NOAA's operating budget will further jeopardize these important industries. Without sufficient funding, NOAA cannot adequately protect our coral reef resources and could be forced to reduce public access to National Marine Sanctuaries and other recreational areas. In addition, H.R. 1 would significantly deteriorate NOAA's law enforcement abilities against illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. The weakening of these programs would cause both immediate and long term job losses within the commercial fisheries and tourism industries. I strongly oppose all proposed cuts to NOAA's operating budget, it is too important to our economy and preserving our marine resources for future generations. Another reckless cut included in H.R. 1 is more than $217 million to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA provides critical grants to universities around the nation, supporting food and agriculture research promoting economic growth and environmental protections. The research yields national value and is especially significant to food security, nutritional health, and increased agricultural production. Specifically important to Guam, is the Tropical and Subtropical Research program, T-STAR. In 2010, the T-STAR program supported 46 research projects at the University of Florida, the University of Hawaii, the University of Puerto Rico, the University Guam, the University of the Virgin Islands, and at American Samoa Community College. These projects are critical to sustainable agriculture, pest control, and disease research. Funds provided by T-STAR are leveraged by a commitment of local resources, further improving public health, protecting agro-ecosystems, and saving taxpayer dollars over time. They offer a high yield on investment and funding for the NIFA and T-STAR programs should be made a priority. I strongly oppose the majority's irresponsible cuts to these programs.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Chairman, I will not be offering my amendment No. 487 in the Congressional Record. It would restore funding to the Assistance to Territories Account under U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs to fiscal year 2008 levels. The 7 percent reduction in funding offered by the Republican majority would cut necessary assistance to the governments of Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The U.S. territories are provided assistance through the Office of Insular Affairs, and the financial assistance provided by the account to be cut has allowed our governments to fund disaster mitigation programs, coral reef conservation initiatives, infrastructure repairs, and environmental preservation. In fact, Madam Chairman, the Constitution under article IV, section 3, clause 2 gives this Congress explicit authority: ``The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States.'' While this impacts all territories, on Guam, in particular, funding from the OIA has been critical to the mitigation of invasive species, management of coral reef conservation programs, technical assistance to modernize and develop our port which provides direct economic benefit as well as assistance in modernizing our tax collection and our auditing systems. If my colleagues on the other side want to help diversify and develop the economies of the territories, then it is essential that we continue to provide this technical assistance in a targeted fashion, as is done now, to jump-start that development process. My colleagues from the U.S. territories, Mr. Faleomavaega, Mr. Pierluisi, Mrs. Christensen, and Mr. Sablan, all agree that this funding cut is yet another example of the majority's lack of concern for the over 4 million residents of the U.S. territories. While the majority's removal of our symbolic voting rights at the beginning of the 112th Congress did not affect the livelihoods of our constituents, this funding cut would tangibly result in a reduction of public service in each of our districts, and I oppose the Republicans' continued neglect of our local governments in the territories. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I have reintroducted a bill to enhance and reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. In the 111th Congress, I sponsored this legislation as H.R. 860, the ``Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009'', which the House of Representatives passed by voice vote on September 22, 2009. The bill I have introduced today, with 12 of my colleagues, strengthens H.R. 860 without changing its original intent. The conservation of coral reef ecosystems is essential to protect public health, ensure environmental sustainability, support thousands of American jobs, and guarantee the long-term economic progress of coastal regions across the nation. United States waters contain some of the world's greatest coral reef biodiversity. From the waters off the coast of Guam and islands in the Pacific, to Florida and the U.S. Territories in the Caribbean, our reefs provide habitat and shelter for fisheries and food and recreation for our residents. These ecosystems also protect us from storm waves and are the basis for marine tourism industries. Today, however, our coral reefs, and the numerous ecosystem services that they provide, are under threat from pollution, climate change, and overharvesting, among others stressors. Unless the United States acts in conjunction with the global community to support focused, long-term action on coral reef education, research, and management, the state of our coral reefs will continue to deteriorate. Since its enactment, the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 has sparked a greater commitment to protect, conserve, and restore coral reef resources within our waters. We now have improved our understanding of the condition of our coral reefs, and have better focused our management capabilities. The Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2011 would further strengthen the original legislation by improving the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's, NOAA, ability to respond to emergency or disaster-related situations and minimize the likelihood of vessel impacts on coral reefs. Specifically, the legislation would establish community-based planning grants for states and territories to support projects that address emerging threats to corals. In addition, the legislation would promote international cooperation by authorizing NOAA to engage with international partners to protect coral reef ecosystems. This bill would also codify the United States Coral Reef Task Force established in 1998 by President Clinton through Executive Order 13089. The work of the Task Force, and its mission to coordinate the efforts of the United States in promoting conservation and the sustainable use of coral reefs internationally, is vital to our interests and coastal economies. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this legislation, enhance and conserve our coral reef ecosystems, and protect coastal jobs.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Cyril ``Cy'' John O'Brien, a veteran of the Second World War and Captain in the United States Marine Corps, for his dedication and service to our community and country. Cy passed away on January 31, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. As we mourn his loss, we recognize him for his contributions to our community. Cy was born in Newfoundland, Canada in 1919 and graduated from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in June of 1942. One month later he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the 3rd Marine Division during World War II and served as a Combat Correspondent in Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. His coverage of the Liberation of Guam, the bravery of American Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen, and the experiences of war survivors during the Liberation provided Americans with a unique perspective of Guam's Liberation for all who study the history of the Second World War in the Pacific. Following his return from duty during the Second World War, Cy worked as a Washington correspondent for several New Jersey-based newspapers. He covered matters pertaining to Capitol Hill, writing stories on the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He went on to work at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and served as its Director of Media Affairs until his retirement in 1983. Cy is the author of ``Liberation,'' which chronicles the 3rd Marine Division's recapture of Guam during the summer of 1944, and was published by the Marine Corps Historical Center. Cy was also a founding member of the 3rd Marine Division Association. Additionally, he has returned to Guam on many occasions to join the people of Guam in celebrating and recognizing the importance of our Liberation Day. He has remained true to his Chamorro friends and worked hard to educate Members of Congress and Senators on the importance of Guam War Claims. Cy will be remembered by his four children--Tony, Bridget, Johnine, and Patsy--as well as many loved ones and friends. I offer my condolences, sympathies, and prayers to his family and all who knew him. On behalf of the people of Guam, I express a sincere Un dangkulo na si Yu'os Ma'ase for his service and sacrifice to our island. He will be missed.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Donald Ian Marshall who passed away on January 8, 2011. Don played a major role in the post-World War II recovery and economic development of Guam. He was an important business and community leader in Guam and around the Asia-Pacific region. As we mourn his loss we recognize his contributions to our community. Don was born in Manila on December 23, 1928, to John and Helen Marshall. John Marshall was a pre-World War II manager of Luzon Stevedoring Company (LUSTEVECO). LUSTEVECO was founded by a group of Spanish-American War veterans in 1909 and grew into the largest cargo handling transportation service in the Philippines. Following in his father's footsteps, Don began work for LUSTEVECO after his graduation from the Stanford University School of Business in 1950. Don first came to Guam in 1951 to manage the build-up of Navy facilities, and in 1963, Don Marshall assumed the presidency of LUSTEVECO. Upon arriving to Guam in 1951, Don Marshall spearheaded the recruitment of thousands of skilled workers on Guam. He directed the construction of Camp Roxas to ensure an acceptable quality of life for the workers who were so far from home. Camp Roxas developed into a model village complete with clean and comfortable Quonset hut barracks, a medical dispensary to provide non-emergency, non-acute health care, Guam's first lighted baseball field, a professional sized and lighted tennis court, an outdoor theater, a bakery, a full service cafeteria and galley, and a Catholic chapel led by a Filipino priest. Sports competition between Camp Roxas, the civilian community, and military commands were encouraged, and teams from Camp Roxas competed very successfully with teams from all over the island. While Camp Roxas has outlived its purpose and is now part of Navy Base Guam, the two villages of Agat and Santa Rita are home to many of the workers and their descendents brought to Guam at the promise of opportunity. Don Marshall's contributions to Guam were not restricted to the success of Camp Roxas. Don continued to involve himself in Guam's economic development. In 1972, he formed Cabras Marine Corporation to supply tugboat and harbor pilot services to commercial and military vessels. Don originally started with two reconditioned Navy tugs, The Husky and The Grunt, and today operates four tugboats as well as a freighter service between Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Pacific Islands surrounding Guam. My husband, the late governor of Guam Ricardo J. Bordallo, and I have known Don Marshall since the early 1960s. He has been a dear friend who always took the time to visit my family. Many on Guam will miss his outgoing personality and the assistance that he was always willing to lend to community projects. I would like to offer my condolences, sympathy and prayers to his wife, Sally Mae, his daughter, Terry, his sons John, Robert and William, his grandchildren, and the thousands of people whose lives he touched over the years. He will be missed.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution today and to honor the six individuals who lost their lives; and my friend and my colleague, Gabby Giffords, who is currently fighting for her life; and the 13 other wounded victims of Saturday's tragic shooting in Tucson. Gabe Zimmerman, Federal Judge John Roll, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and the innocent 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, all who passed away on Saturday in such a senseless act of violence that was a direct attack on our democracy. Being the extraordinary public servant she is, Gabby had taken her first opportunity in the 112th Congress to organize an event to learn of her constituents' concerns and their hopes. The victims had all peacefully gathered at a local mall to participate in the democratic process. The basic exercise of democracy was interrupted by a disturbed individual bent on anger at the system. This needless and despicable act of violence has no place in our society and should give us all cause to reflect on the level of political discourse in this country. But while we recognize the tragedy that occurred and pray for the quick recovery of those injured and those who died, let us not overlook the many acts of bravery and heroism on Saturday. As we piece together the events of last Saturday, my thoughts and prayers go out to Gabby and the others who have been killed or injured. Let this tragic event serve as a reminder of the obligation that we have as elected Representatives of the people to be responsible in our leadership and be careful of the words that we choose. I will keep the victims and their families in my thoughts and prayers, and I know that all of my colleagues will do so as well. General Leave

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution introduced by my good friend and colleague, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland that would restore the voting rights for the Delegates and Resident Commissioner during Committee of the Whole proceedings during the 112th Congress. As I stated yesterday, the rules for the 112th Congress leave this body less transparent and less responsive to our constituents. Eliminating the right for Delegates and the Resident Commissioner to vote in the Committee of the Whole deprives our constituents with the understanding of how we stand on important issues. The fact that our vote in the Committee of the Whole is symbolic is further evidence of why such a right does not diminish the role of other Members of the House of Representatives; in fact, allowing us the right to a symbolic vote enhances long-cherished values of this body. Moreover, affording us the right to vote in the Committee of the Whole ensures that equities of our constituents are covered in legislation that is pending or being debated by this body. In June 2009 the House of Representatives debated and voted on H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009. The bill contained language that allowed the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay to any of the territories and it did not provide the Governor of each respective territory with the right to be notified of any such transfer. Our right to vote in the Committee of the Whole afforded us the opportunity to raise this matter before the entire body and subsequent legislation that contained such transfer prohibition language did expressly include the territories. Our right to vote in the Committee of the Whole afforded us all the ability to represent the interests of our respective territories. Our voice was heard and changes were made. Many men and women in uniform come from the territories and the District of Columbia. Many have sacrificed for our country, and, in fact, the per capita rate of deaths for servicemembers from the territories is higher than most states. Yet despite the patriotism and service that men and women from the territories show, the new leadership of the House of Representatives saw it fit to take away one of our most basic rights--the right to vote and effectively represent the needs of our constituents. I also enter into the Record letters the Delegates and the Resident Commissioner sent to the leaders requesting an opportunity to address this rules change prior to the convening of the 112th Congress. Regrettably, the opportunity to address this matter prior to yesterday's convening was not presented. Therefore, and based on the action taken yesterday, I stand in support of the resolution introduced today by Mr. Hoyer and hope that it will be brought to the floor for a vote in the near future. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, December 22, 2010. Hon. John A. Boehner, Speaker-designate, House of Representatives, The Capitol, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker-designate Boehner: Now that a summary of proposed Rules for the 112th Congress is circulating and we find that the rule enabling the Delegates and Resident Commissioner to vote in the Committee of the Whole is slated for elimination, we write to express our concern and renew our request for a meeting with you to discuss this matter prior to January 5, 2011. You will no doubt recall that we wrote last month to urge retention of this rule. We reiterate that this symbolic exercise of our country's democratic principles has great meaning to our more than four million constituents, who fight and die alongside their fellow Americans residing in the 50 States to secure the right to vote for people residing in such distant lands as Iraq and Afghanistan. While this issue has been viewed through a partisan lens in the past, largely because none of us is a member of the Republican Conference, we respectfully submit that this fact should not be used to preclude us front exercising this most fundamental function of representative democracies, especially through a procedure which by its design can never be determinative of any vote. Therefore, we ask that you retain this existing rule in the Rules package your Conference is preparing for adoption on opening day of the 112th Congress. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. We look forward to continuing to work with you on behalf of our constituents, your fellow Americans residing in the U.S. territories. Sincerely, Pedro R. Pierluisi. Madeleine Z. Bordallo. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega. Donna M. Christensen. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend General Carroll ``Howie'' Chandler for his distinguished 36 years of service and commitment to the United States Air Force. General Chandler has dedicated his life to the service of this great Nation and I appreciate his leadership efforts with the Air Force particularly in the Pacific area of responsibility. I had the privilege of working with General Chandler on several initiatives that directly improved the quality of lives of our men and women in uniform on Guam and the Western Pacific. He was instrumental in ensuring the Administration budgeted for several key military construction projects on Guam that directly improved the quality of life for airmen at Andersen Air Force Base. His directive to renovate Building 21000 on Andersen Air Force Base will be critical to more effectively and efficiently using space and facilities to meet mission requirements. Further, I particularly appreciated General Chandler's leadership in granting local base commanders with the authority and flexibility to address a variety of local issues. Chief among those issues was resolution of access for landlocked private property landowners in northern Guam. General Chandler recognized the importance of empowering local commanders on the ground to identify solutions to longstanding problems that go a long way towards improving the civilian and military community relationship on Guam. He recognized the importance of working together as a key to strengthening bonds in the community. General Chandler also recognized Guam's strategic importance to our Nation's defense. As Commander of Pacific Air Forces and then as Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, General Chandler has consistently demonstrated through allocation of resources that Guam and Andersen Air Force Base remain vital to the protection of our national interests and stability, through force projection, in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Speaker, General Chandler has demonstrated exceptional meritorious service during his career with the United States Air Force and has become a distinguished leader to airmen stationed on Guam, Guam Air Guardsmen, indeed all airmen and women across this country. I wish the very best to General Chandler; his wife Eva-Marie; and their three children, Carl, Rose-Marie, and Thomas.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I have introduced H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, a bill that would implement the findings of the Guam War Claims Review Commission. Since being elected to the House of Representatives 8 years ago, I have introduced a version of this legislation in each Congress. Last Congress, this bill titled H.R. 44 passed the House on four separate occasions, once as standalone legislation and three times as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Acts. This bill would implement the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission, which was appointed by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and established by an Act of the 107th Congress (Public Law 107-333). The Review Commission, in a unanimous report to Congress in June 2004, found that there were significant disparities in the treatment of war claims for the people of Guam as compared with war claims for other Americans. The Review Commission also found that the occupation of Guam was especially brutal due to the unfailing loyalty of the people of Guam to the United States of America. The people of Guam were subjected to forced labor, forced marches, internment, beatings, rapes and executions, including public beheadings. The Review Commission recommended that Congress remedy this injustice through the enactment of legislation to authorize payment of claims in amounts specified. Specifically, the bill would authorize discretionary spending to pay claims consistent with the recommendations of the commission. It is important to note that the Review Commission found that the United States Government seized Japanese assets during the war and that the record shows that settlement of claims was meant to be paid from these forfeitures. Furthermore, the United States signed a Treaty of Peace with Japan on September 8, 1951, which precludes Americans from making claims against Japan for war reparations. The treaty closed any legal mechanism for seeking redress from the Government of Japan, and the United States Government has settled claims for U.S. citizens and other nationals through various claims programs authorized by Congress. The House of Representatives has continually been supportive of this legislation, passing the bill with bi-partisan support in 110th and 111th Congresses. The issue continues to stall in the Senate despite support from the administration and supportive Senators. In the 111th session of Congress, I worked to add the text of H.R. 44 to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2010. This was unsuccessful because of the objections of Senators regarding the precedent that this legislation may establish notwithstanding the findings of the Guam War Claims Review Commission, which found that no new precedent was being made and that its recommendations were based on similar claims programs for similar circumstances. However, as a compromise, report language was added to the final statement of managers which called for additional hearings to review Guam War Claims matter in the 2nd Session of the 111th Congress. The House Armed Services Committee upheld its commitment and held a hearing on December 2, 2009 to further investigate the purpose and need for enacting H.R. 44. Last year, I worked again to include compromise language for H.R. 44 in National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2011. Given the time constraints for floor time at the end of the session, the Guam War Claims provision had to be removed by the Senate in order for the final defense authorization bill to pass by unanimous consent in the Senate. However, during negotiations on the defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2011 there was agreement that payment of claims to descendants of survivors of the Japanese occupation who suffered personal injury should be removed from the legislation. I accepted this compromise because I felt it was important to bring closure to this issue and that the objections to this provision by some Senators cannot be overcome at this time. As such, the bill I introduce today is compromise language that removes such claims payments and reflects the agreed upon compromise reached during negotiations on last year's defense authorization bill. Congressional passage of this bill this Congress has a direct impact on the future success of the military build-up. The need for Guam War Claims was brought about because of mishandling of war claims immediately following World War II by the Department of the Navy. The long-standing inequity with how Guam was treated for war reparations lingers today. If we do not bring this matter to a close I believe that support for the military build-up will erode and impact the readiness of our forces and the bilateral relationship with Japan. Mr. Speaker, resolving this issue is a matter of justice. This carefully crafted compromise legislation addresses the concerns of several Senators, and has the approval of both Senator John McCain and Senator Carl Levin. This bill represents a unique opportunity to right a wrong because many of the survivors of the occupation are nearing the end of their lives. It is important that the Congress act on the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission to finally resolve this longstanding injustice for the people of Guam.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the resolution. Mr. Speaker, the Republican rules package makes this body less transparent and less responsive to the American people. By obligating the Delegates to take public stands, our limited vote showed our constituents where we stood on important issues. Our vote also helped ensure legislation considered by the House took our constituents into account. When an amendment came forward last Congress regarding the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo into the U.S., the territories were initially excluded from the prohibition. Our vote compelled the House to address our concerns. This is precisely how representative democracy is meant to work.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I withdraw my reservation.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, reserving the right to object, I take this moment to express great disappointment at the situation the House now finds itself. It is very unfortunate that before us is an amended version of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. Last night, the other body struck title XVII of the version of the bill that this House passed last Friday, December 17. Title XVII, Madam Speaker, was the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, which the House has passed on multiple occasions with strong bipartisan support. Several Senators objected to its inclusion in the bill. They expressed concerns over its budgetary impact, and indicated a willingness to work toward identifying an acceptable way to authorize and pay the claims. I regret the inability to resolve this matter at this time, and I am very appreciative of the strong support from Chairman Skelton and incoming chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mr. McKeon of California for their strong support of this provision. The unresolved nature of Guam war claims has serious implications for the military build-up on Guam. I appreciate the administration's strong support for this provision. The administration recognizes the connection between resolving this issue and successfully implementing the military build- up on Guam. We will continue our work to bring closure to this matter of justice for the people of Guam, and to act on the legislative recommendations of the Federal Guam War Claims Review Commission that reported to Congress pursuant to Public Law 107-333. It was not for a lack of effort from this body, and we will continue to build on the progress we've made. The underlying bill is important for our national defense and for our men and women in uniform and their families, and therefore this body is left no other choice but than to concur with the Senate amendments at this time. Again, I want to thank everyone who has assisted me, both the leaders and to the multiple staff members who have helped us through this process.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary service of Sanctuary, Inc., a community based non-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life for Guam's families and youth. Through their 24-hour crisis intervention, Sanctuary promotes mediation services during times of family conflicts while also providing temporary safe refuge to youth in need of further supportive counseling. In addition, Sanctuary fosters the development of responsible community members and assists in preserving and promoting family unity through their outreach, education and prevention programs. Founded in 1971 by Father Robert Phelps and Mr. Luis Martinez, with the goal of creating a safe refuge for Guam's youth, Sanctuary originated in southern Guam, with seven families volunteering their time and homes to provide temporary housing to troubled youth who are not suitable for youth correctional facilities. Sanctuary has since relocated to central Guam and now provides shelter and services at three dedicated buildings: an emergency shelter, a transitional living program, and substance abuse program. They have made tremendous strides over the years and annually provide safe haven for over 300 youth and also provide assistance through outreach and prevention programs to over 3,000 troubled teens. These services and programs, such as alcohol and drug treatment programs, provide safe alternatives to detention or youth correctional facilities and are instrumental in helping troubled youth turn their lives around and contribute to society. It is on the occasion of Sanctuary's 39th anniversary that I join our community in commending their humanitarian services and outreach efforts in helping Guam's youth. I commend the efforts of Interim Executive Director, Millie Lujan; Staff members and Volunteers who have dedicated and contributed their time over the past 39 years and I look forward to many more years of continued service by Sanctuary Guam.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of United States Army Private First Class Jaysine P.S. Petree. PFC Petree was assigned to the 109th Transportation Company, 17th Combat Sustainment Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Fort Richardson, Alaska. On September 24, 2010, PFC Petree passed away in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. She was 19 years old. Known by her friends as ``Jen'', PFC Petree was born in the Philippines and moved to Guam in 2002. PFC Petree attended Simon Sanchez High School in Yigo, Guam, where she excelled in both academics and interscholastic sports. Shortly after her graduation in 2009, PFC Petree enlisted in the U.S. Army, and on September 24, 2010, she made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our Nation's freedom in support of combat operations in Afghanistan. I join our community in mourning the loss of PFC Petree and I offer my most sincere condolences to her parents, Herbert and Jayne Sucgang Petree, and to her many family and friends. We are eternally grateful for her service and will never forget the sacrifices of PFC Petree. May God bless the family and friends of PFC Jaysine P.S. Petree, God bless Guam, and God bless the United States of America.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, in closing, I urge all Members to support this bill. In our last business before the House for the Natural Resources Committee this year, I would like to thank the gentleman from Washington for his cooperation in this bill, and for all of the opportunities that we have had to work together in this Congress. Moreover, I wish him good luck as the new chairman of the committee next year, and look forward to working with him in the next capacity. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 81, the Shark Conservation Act of 2009. This bill, which I first introduced more than 3 years ago, reconfirms the original intent of Congress to prevent shark finning by prohibiting the removal of fins at sea, and the possession, transference, or landing of fins which are not naturally attached to the corresponding carcass. This critical conservation measure and enforcement mechanism will help to end the wasteful and abusive practice of shark finning and make us a world leader in shark conservation. Yesterday, the Senate amended my bill to clarify that certain fish stocks in New England are considered to be managed under an international agreement for purposes of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The bill was also amended to make technical corrections to two international fishery implementation acts to allow proper participation by stakeholders on the respective advisory bodies. Amendments were also made to clarify that the Secretary of Commerce can issue regulations to allow for the replacement of corroding vessels in the non-pollock groundfish fishery. In addition, the Senate inserted language to exempt one particular fishery from the new requirement to land sharks with their fins naturally attached. While I am not supportive of this particular exemption, I do think it is important to note that this fishery represents less than 1 percent of all the shark fishing in the United States, and that the restrictions on shark finning currently in the law will still apply to them. Putting an end to shark finning is imperative to the conservation of these important and iconic species. With that, I ask Members on both sides to support its passage. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 81) to amend the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to improve the conservation of sharks.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 6523, the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. The bill provides critical authorities for the Department of Defense over the coming year and also includes a provision, Title 17, that is compromise language to H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. This provision is important to my constituents as it resolves a longstanding injustice. Mr. Speaker, I thank the President and his administration, specifically Secretary Ken Salazar and Assistant Secretary Tony Babauta from the Department of the Interior, as well as Deputy Secretary of Defense Bill Lynn, Undersecretary of the Navy Robert Work, Assistant Secretary of Defense Chip Gregson, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Jackalynne Pfannenstiel, Deputy Undersecretary of Defense Dorothy Robyn and Mr. Joe Ludovici of the Joint Guam Program Office who emphasized to the Congress the importance of this provision to our Nation, to the people of Guam, and for maintaining support within the community on Guam for the military build-up. Although now before us is the compromise language insisted upon by the other body, the people of Guam have sought closure on this matter for many years. Today we have arrived at that critical juncture. It has been 6 years since the Federal Guam War Claims Review Commission fulfilled the mandate of Public Law 107-333 and recommended to Congress the enactment of legislation that takes the form in this Congress as H.R. 44. The military build-up is beginning construction, in earnest, in the next few months and it is important to my constituents that this issue be finally addressed. The compromise, now before us, is identical to the compromise tendered during conference on last year's defense bill. Last year, I was not able to accept the compromise because I needed to first hear from my constituents about their thoughts on its potential ramifications. While the House has overwhelming embraced H.R. 44, the full provision and passed it multiple times, and the President and his administration have urged its enactment, regrettably there continues to be objections in the Senate to certain elements of the provision, namely the category of claimants in which descendants of Chamorros who survived the occupation and suffered personal injury but who have since passed away would be compensated. Therefore, the basis and need for this compromise language. The defense bill also continues to support the Defense Policy Review Initiative and the so-called Guam International Agreement that outline the realignment of military forces in the Western Pacific. The bill recognizes the strategic importance to the bilateral relationship between the United States and Japan of realigning forces within Okinawa, Japan with some realigning to Guam. Specifically, this bill continues our tradition of providing stringent oversight of the military build-up and ensuring accountability with this significant undertaking. One provision, in particular, helps to make sure the military build-up is done right and benefits our civilian community. Section 2822 authorizes the Department of the Navy to convey its water and wastewater system to the Guam Waterworks Authority. This permissive authority outlines Congress's intent for any such conveyance of the water and wastewater systems. Further, it recognizes the efficiency of scale that can be achieved by having one, single and integrated water and wastewater system on Guam. Of importance to some of my constituents, is that the resources of Fena Reservoir will once again benefit our civilian community. The bill also reaffirms this Congress's commitment to our men and women in the National Guard. The legislation authorizes $700 million in the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account, totaling over $7.2 billion in funding for National Guard and Reserve equipment requirements. Of particular concern to the Guam National Guard is authorization for a long-awaited $19 million military construction project for a new Combined Support Maintenance Shop at the Barrigada Joint Force Headquarters complex on Guam. It also extends a critical authority to be able to recruit and retain quality Guardsmen and women from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana, CNMI, islands. Section 621, extends for 1 year, authority for eligible members of the National Guard and Reserves to be reimbursed for certain travel expenses in conjunction with inactive duty training. This authority is critical to ensure members of the Guam National Guard residing in the CNMI are able to train with their fellow Guardsmen on Guam and to maintain their readiness in the event they need to support local or federal requirements. Finally, I extend my deepest thanks to Chairman Skelton for his steadfast and unwavering support of Guam and issues that are important to our people, He and Ranking Member McKeon remained firm in their support for H.R. 44, and have helped tremendously with ensuring plans for the military build-up reflected the needs and concerns of the people of Guam. We will miss Chairman Skelton' leadership on the Committee and in this body dearly. We join the Nation in saluting him for all that he has done for the men and women who have served and continue to serve and their families. We look forward to continuing to work under incoming Chairman McKeon's steady leadership, and with the legacy of Chairman Skelton that he and Congressman Smith and others will continue to uphold within the Committee. I urge my colleagues to support passage of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for our Nation, our troops, and for the people of Guam.