Madeleine Bordallo

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 518) honoring the life of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, explorer, researcher, and pioneer in the field of marine conservation, as amended.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I again urge Members to support this bill. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, H.R. 1061 would transfer certain Federal and non-Federal land in the State of Washington to the Hoh Indian Tribe to be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the tribe. The Hoh Indian Tribe is located on the coast of Washington. Its coastline is situated such that it is subject to frequent flooding and is located in a tsunami zone. The tribe has acquired approximately 420 acres of land from private sources to relocate its government offices and tribal members. The bill would place this newly acquired 420 acres of land into trust for the tribe. H.R. 1061 would also transfer approximately 37 acres of land from the Olympic National Park into trust for the tribe in order to connect the tribes's newly acquired lands to its current lands. The National Park Service has no objection to this transfer. No gaming may be conducted on any lands placed into trust pursuant to this act. In addition, there are several restrictions on the land being transferred to the tribe from the Olympic National Park. I want to commend our colleague, Madam Speaker, Mr. Dicks of Washington, for his hard work and dedication to this legislation, and I ask my colleagues to support its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks). (Mr. DICKS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chair, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. The bill continues a strong tradition under the leadership of Chairman Ike Skelton of Missouri of providing our men and women in uniform with the training, equipment and authorities that they need to protect our country. In particular, I rise in strong support of subtitle C of title 28 of this bill which includes several provisions that further strengthen Congressional oversight of the military build-up on Guam and directly address concerns raised in the draft environmental impact statement on the military build-up. Of significant importance is Section 2822 which grants authority to the Secretary of Defense to assist the Government of Guam in providing funding for civilian infrastructure improvements required as a result of the realignment of military installations and the relocation of military personnel on Guam. Congress has granted this authority before, most recently during the realignment of forces to Bangor, Washington. The authority granted to the Secretary addresses concerns raised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and our community in regards to mitigating the impact of the buildup on our local infrastructure. The authority granted in Section 2822 also expands on President Obama's request for $50 million in transfer authority to modernize infrastructure at the Port of Guam. To accommodate the influx of servicemembers and their dependents, our island will have to modernize aging infrastructure, build and repair roads, improve water and wastewater capacity, and increase capacity at the Port of Guam among many other preparations. This authority will assist our island in preparing for the realignment of forces to Guam and mitigate impact to our community. Section 2824 is also important as it allows the Secretary of Defense to transfer rights and management authority of Navy's water and wastewater system to the Guam Waterworks Authority. This provision will create one single water and wastewater system on the island, create economies of scale, and will remove redundancies in our current system. Most importantly, I worked to include an amendment that incorporated the full text of H.R. 44, ``The Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act,'' to the National Defense Authority Act for Fiscal Year 2011. This provision would recognize the people of Guam for their sacrifices during World War II when Guam was occupied by enemy forces. With the realignment of forces to Guam, it is important that this longstanding issue be resolved so that the military build-up on Guam is implemented with community support. The Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act was adopted by the House as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, but was subsequently removed during conference with the Senate. I thank my colleagues for voting to adopt this provision once again. I want to thank Chairman Ike Skelton of the House Armed Services for his leadership on issues affecting the readiness of our military forces. I look forward to working with my colleagues toward passage of H.R. 5136 by the full House of Representatives.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chair, I was absent from the Chamber today, Friday, May 28, 2010, due to the travel schedule for my return to my district on account of official business. Had I been present for the one rollcall vote taken today in the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union on the amendments that were offered to H.R. 5136-- National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, I would have voted as follows: ``aye'' on the En Bloc Amendments, as modified, No. 9 offered by Chairman Skelton of Missouri (rollcall vote 333).

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Jesus Dias Perez, a resident of Guam who on Sunday, May 16, 2010, celebrated his 90th birthday. Jesus was born on May 16, 1920, in the village of Agana to Felix Flores Perez and Josefa Diaz. In 1941, Jesus enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he would go on to serve in World War II and the Korean War. He retired in 1961, having attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He continued his commitment to public service after his retirement from the Navy, going to work for the County of San Diego, California. There, he supervised the County's Juvenile Ranch Facility, a correction and rehabilitation center for troubled youth. Jesus was committed to helping young adults get a second chance and a fresh start in life. Jesus also was an active member of the San Diego Elk's Lodge and participated in the Elks Club's chapter in Chula Vista. Jesus completed numerous community service projects on behalf of our nation's veterans. Despite living thousands of miles from his home on Guam, Jesus continued to contribute to the Guam community, opening his home to family, friends, fellow veterans, and patients from Guam receiving care at San Diego medical facilities. Jesus was married to the late Margaret Chamberlain and has one daughter, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Today, I commend Jesus Perez for his lifetime of service to Guam, our community, our veterans, our youth, and our nation. I also join with his family and friends in congratulating him on his 90th birthday. We appreciate his contributions to our nation and our community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of John Vincent Pangelinan Gerber, a lifetime resident of the village of Ordot, Guam. John Gerber passed away on May 4, 2010 at the age of 58. Born on May 31, 1951, in Guam, John is the eldest son of Martin and Dolores Gerber. He attended Barrigada Junior High School, Father Duenas Memorial School, and after graduating from George Washington High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 4, 1969. After completing basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, John was deployed to Vietnam where he served with the Fleet Logistics Command in support of the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions. Following his tour of duty in Vietnam, John was assigned to Bravo Company at Marine Barracks Guam. John Gerber was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps on June 3, 1975. John Gerber began his civilian career as a young radio disc jockey on the Wireless Rock Show and later established a record store in Guam's capital of Hagatna called the Wireless Rock Music Box. John also started a charter boat tour company that took visitors around Guam's southern shores. In 1992, John joined the Guam Chapter of the 3rd Marine Division Association, and as a member of this service organization, he devoted his time to helping his fellow Marines, service members, and veterans. John invited individuals or groups associated with the 3rd Marine Division visiting Guam to one of the famous Gerber fiestas at his home in Ordot, and while there, Marine Corps veterans groups and service members would be treated to an evening of Chamorro hospitality. Throughout his lifetime, John and the 3rd Marine Division Association hosted over 16,000 service members on Guam. In 2004, John Gerber led a petition to rename Route 1 on Guam from Marine Drive to Marine Corps Drive. John argued that the intent of the original authorization for the highway was to recognize the U.S. service members who liberated Guam. That same year, John walked from Andersen Air Force Base to Naval Base Guam, 27 miles in total, while pulling a cart the entire length. His campaign was successful, and Route l in Guam is now officially named Marine Corps Drive. Every year, John also loaned his restored World War II-era vehicles as part of Guam's Liberation Day Parade. On July 21, 2008, the 64th anniversary of the Liberation of Guam, John opened the Pacific War Museum on Guam. This non-profit museum was built by John to showcase his World War II-era memorabilia and to educate the public on the War in the Pacific. I join our community in mourning the loss of John Gerber, and I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Mela Gomez Gerber; his siblings, Martin, Joyce, Wanda, Debra and Janet; his children, Ryan, Christiana, Storm and Rio; and to his many family, friends and fellow Marines. He will be missed. Madam Speaker, I also request that two additional items be entered into the Congressional Record. The first is a tribute to John Gerber from Brigadier General Ben Blaz, the former Member of Congress from Guam. General Blaz was a good friend of John Gerber, and he composed this tribute in his memory. My Friend His name was John. He was exceedingly proud of his Chamorro heritage. He was the personification of a United States Marine. He was unabashedly loyal to America. We hailed from the same village, metro Ordot, as he would say on occasion. His effervescent presence was always felt; sometimes quietly, other times not. His devotion to his friends was profound; his tolerance for those with whom he disagreed was noteworthy, at times! It is said that in life, there is a time to grow and a time to glow. John did both in tandem. He was endowed with a natural ability to rally and to lead those with him to reach their goal. Many of his accomplishments were in keeping with a vow he made to a dying friend that he would strive to do well the rest of his life. His intense commitment to fulfill that vow resulted, among others, in the establishment of a remarkable museum to remind all of us how dearly the liberators and the liberated paid for the freedom we enjoy today. In acknowledgement of his many accomplishments, I invited John and his wife to join me as Guest of Honor on the reviewing stand for the performance of the Marine Corps Battle Colors Detachment at Asan Park in March. He would not accept the invitation. I asked him a second time and he declined once more because he would prefer to be with his comrades--veterans of all the Services. I approached him a third time and threatened not to attend the ceremony unless he and his wife joined me. Reluctantly, he accepted for which I was so grateful for no other guest present that day was more deserving than he to be honored. My friend's full name was John Vincent Pangelinan Gerber. He was shorter than I, but I looked up to him for he was an extraordinary man from whom I learned to be a better person. John did not seek fame; it sought him! Semper Fidelis, Marine! The second item is the eulogy offered by Colonel Robert Loynd of the U.S. Marine Corps at John Gerber's memorial service. Colonel Loynd is with Marine Forces Pacific and was asked to deliver the eulogy at the request of John Gerber's family. Eulogy to John Gerber--Fellow Marine Let me begin by saying what a distinct honor it is to stand before you on this altar today in the presence of this beloved and storied Marine, and represent with this eulogy the memories, sorrow, gratitudes and condolences of all United States Marines around the globe who have had the privilege of knowing John Gerber. And I use the past tense loosely here, because there are many United States Marines yet to come who will also undoubtedly have the privilege of getting to know John and his legacy while visiting his Pacific War Museum--an unyielding and enduring structure of steel and iron, lovingly filled with artifacts of sacrifice and recollections of wartime faithful devotion--built by John Gerber's hands, to withstand the rigors of time. In many ways, John and the Museum itself are one in the same-- steadfast, lasting, loyal, engaging, welcoming, enlightening, forgiving, hallowed, and revered. Timeless qualities that transcend any earthly existence. I first heard the name ``John Gerber'' about four years ago in 2006 in an unlikely place. I was sitting in the Incheon International Airport in Seoul, Korea awaiting a late-night flight to Guam for Alliance talks between senior U.S. and Korean military leaders. The mere fact that I remember that moment speaks volumes about John, in and of itself. I wasn't part of the specific conversation at the airport, and like most staff officers who carry the laptops and briefing books for the senior officers, I was only pretending to be attentive as I sat on the periphery of two general officers, one couch over in the airport terminal, who were engaged in what appeared to me to be largely irrelevant banter. Amidst the sleep-inducing drone I suddenly heard a sentence that leaped-out at me with alarming clarity and purpose: ``Nobody's done more for the Marine Corps' legacy on Guam than John Gerber.'' Needless to say, I was intrigued and leaned-in to see if I could hear more. With frustration, however, I leaned back in my chair as the sentence ended right there, with the two Generals nodding to each other in stern, solemn agreement. My intrigue would have to remain unsolved--one of the unfortunate aspects of ``experience'' in the Marine Corps--for I had learned many years before that it would not have been wise at that moment for the LtCol--one couch over--to interrupt two Generals engaged in a private conversation by asking: ``Excuse me, Sir--Who is John Gerber?'' 2nd Lieutenant Loynd might have asked. . . . But the sentence stayed with me, and it wouldn't be until April of last year in 2009 that I would finally gain the honor of meeting The Man. Since then, I have found myself often repeating the same sentence, in my own conversations, with the same clarity, distinction and purpose that I heard it with four years ago: ``Nobody's done more for the Marine Corps' legacy on Guam than John Gerber.'' Truer words were never spoken. Knowing what I know now about John and what he means to the Marine Corps and our heritage, I should have interrupted the generals four years ago with my question. Instead of the expected steely-eyed glare for interrupting, I'm certain that I would have been educated in a heartfelt way about the Man and his incredible legacy. The General's response most likely would have been something like: ``Well Bob, let me tell you about my friend John Gerber. . . .'' What he would have told me would have been a reverent tale about a man who devotes every waking moment of his life to serving others, to honoring the legacy of sacrifice and commitment by those veterans who demonstrated the full measure of devotion to their country and their comrades, and about a man who loves the Marine Corps and his fellow Marines with every fiber of his being. When I did finally meet John in April of 2009 at his museum, I immediately sensed something unique--that I was in the presence of a man so humble and modest, but yet so commanding and persuasive at the same time. I was on an advanced visit to Guam a couple of months prior to moving here from my assignment at Headquarters Marine Corps. My predecessor on Guam, Col. Paul Brier, made sure to bring me to the Museum to meet John on the very first day of my visit. We were immediately greeted by John around the back, his Marine Corps ball cap tilted back on his head, his gray ``Marines'' t-shirt soaked through with sweat and covered with twigs, mulch, and sawdust. I was meeting a man of the earth, imbued with an ethic of labor and hard work. Shaking his hand, the roughness of his palm immediately told me the story. But I was also meeting a man of tremendous intellect, as I learned more in the first five minutes about Guam's cross-cultural history and conflicts than my jet-lagged brain could absorb. We went through the museum and I was machine- gunned by John with not only Marine history about the 3rd Marine Division at Asan and the 1st Marine Provisional Brigade at Agat, but very personal tales of courage, heroism, love and devotion. Of men like Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Louis Wilson, and Catholic Priest Father Duenas; about hometown Chamorro Marine Corps officers and leaders such as Capt. Peter Siguenza and BGen Ben Blaz, about Underwood and Puller and about the 1,548 United States Marines who gallantly gave their lives in the Liberation of Guam. And true to his character, John presented a balanced and open- minded perspective, as we transitioned to the other wing of the museum where I was overwhelmed with his equally in-depth knowledge of the Japanese perspectives of the war. Our relationship would grow over the next year and I would routinely turn to John for help in ensuring that our visiting Marines--his Marines--were well taken care of. Two months ago, I was asked to write a letter of recommendation to support the nomination of John to receive the prestigious ``Colonel John H. Magruder III Award'' from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in Quantico, Virginia. Once again, I found myself using that famous sentence from Korea. And I quote the final paragraph of my letter of recommendation: ``Over the course of the past two decades, no person has done more to honor the history and reputation of the United States Marine Corps on Guam than John Gerber. His Pacific War Museum remains a sole outpost of Marine Corps heritage in the vast Mid-Pacific. Visited by commandants, generals, congressmen, Marines, history enthusiasts, tourists, children and citizens of various nations alike, John's museum both inspires and brings contemplative reflection. For his tireless devotion to depicting the legacy, service and history of the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific, I can think of no finer recipient of the ``Colonel John H. Magruder III Award'' than John Gerber.'' I have high hopes that this award will come true. But in my mind, there was no greater local recognition of John's devotion than to see him and Mel sitting next to BGen Ben Blaz as Guests of Honor for the performance of the storied Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment at Asan Beach this past March--a first ever performance on Guam that could not have been a success, without, once again, John Gerber's legendary passion, love, devotion and work-ethic. John singlehandedly prepared the Asan Park for a performance befitting the Marines from 8th and I. And because of that --they will be back. And I know they will be playing a tune for John. Rudyard Kipling once wrote: ``If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And--which is more--you'll be a Man my son!'' Well, from May 3Ist, 1951 until May 4th 2010, the Man--John Vincent Pangelinan Gerber--ran the distance everyday and filled every unforgiving, unyielding minute of his life with action, passion and commitment. John nurtured his earth and everyone who was in it, and today we Marines extend our collective devotion and gratitude to John for having been one of us--our friend, our standard-bearer and Guam's most devoted Marine. Now, it's a tragic misunderstanding that some may think that Marines aren't prone to poetry (and don't worry--I didn't write one), but John Gerber was a fan of poetry--his favorite poem being one of the greatest ever written--``The Marines Hymn.'' And we Marines will be coming to attention for that later today in John's honor. But I do want to end with a beautiful sonnet written by the Anglo-American Poet John Gillespie Magee that eulogized the laying to rest of the famous World War I English poet Rupert Brooke, who died on his way to the Battle of Gallipoli. As I read it, please think of John Gerber, all that he is, and all that he has achieved in his wonderfully productive life on earth. ``We laid him in a cool and shadowed grove One evening in the dreamy scent of thyme Where leaves were green, and whispered high above-- A grave as humble as it was sublime; There, dreaming in the fading deeps of light-- The hands that thrilled to touch a woman's hair; Brown eyes, that loved the Day, and looked on Night, A soul that found at last its answered Prayer. . . There daylight, as a dust, slips through the trees. And drifting, gilds the fern around his grave-- Where even now, perhaps, the evening breeze Steals shyly past the tomb of him who gave New sight to blinded eyes; who sometimes wept-- A short time dearly loved; and after,--slept.'' Rest in Peace, John. Mission Accomplished. Semper Fidelis Marine.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4491, introduced by Representative Jackie Speier of California, would authorize the National Park Service to conduct a special resource study to determine appropriate and feasible ways to commemorate the African American cavalrymen known as the Buffalo Soldiers and the important role that they played in the early years of the national parks. These soldiers played a critical role in protecting Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and served as the Nation's first park rangers. Under the proposed legislation, the National Park Service would evaluate alternatives to commemorate and interpret the roles of the Buffalo Soldiers. They would also evaluate the suitability and feasibility of establishing a national historic trail along the route used by the Buffalo Soldiers from their post in the Presidio of San Francisco to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Representative Speier is to be commended for her work to highlight this important chapter in African American history and in the history of our national parks. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4491 received broad bipartisan support in committee, and I urge its adoption by the House today. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4491) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of alternatives for commemorating and interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of the National Parks, and for other purposes.

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

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, today I have introduced a bill to amend the Sikes Act to improve natural resources management planning for State-owned installations used for the national defense. I have introduced this bill after working with appropriate officials at the Department of Defense (DOD). The amendments proposed by DOD will improve coordination between DOD, the Department of the Interior and State, Territorial and local partners for the protection of fish and wildlife resources on DOD lands and State-owned installations used for the national defense. As the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife and as a member of the Committee on Armed Services, this bill that I have introduced today is appropriate as the 111th Congress moves forward with an agenda promoting responsible environmental stewardship. DOD controls nearly 25 million acres of valuable fish and wildlife habitat at approximately 400 military installations nationwide. These lands contain a wealth of plant and animal life, vital wetlands for migratory birds and habitat for nearly 300 federally listed threatened and endangered species. For 50 years, the Sikes Act has helped the commanders of these installations balance their use of air, land and water resources for military training and testing with the need to conserve and rehabilitate these important ecosystems. In past National Defense Authorization Acts, Congress has made improvements to the Sikes Act and my bill, the Sikes Act Amendments Act of 2010, continues this progress by proposing three significant improvements to the law. First, my bill clarifies the scope of the Sikes Act by extending its provisions to State-owned National Guard installations, including the requirement to develop and implement Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans, INRMP, that are already required for federally owned military installations. Another provision in this bill would make permanent the successful invasive species management pilot program on Guam, authorized into law in 2004, and expand its score to all military installations. Finally, the bill makes several technical and clarifying changes to the U.S. Code to make it consistent with other subheadings and titles. I want to thank Chairman Solomon Ortiz of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness for his leadership on issues affecting management of military installations and the readiness of our military forces. I also thank Chairman Nick Rahall of the House Natural Resources Committee for his leadership in providing for seamless protection for our fish and wildlife resources, a national treasure, across all public lands. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee in receiving testimony, support and views on the Sikes Act Amendments Act of 2010.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009, introduced by our colleague Congressman Pedro Pierluisi. As the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, I fully support this bill, which the full Natural Resources committee reported out favorably on July 22nd of last year. H.R. 2499 is an important bill for both Puerto Rico and the other U.S. Territories. As the delegate from Guam, I understand the desire of residents in the territories to decide their future and make a determination about their political future. Guam and Puerto Rico were both ceded to the United States after the Spanish American War in 1898. The communities in Guam and Puerto Rico have long traditions of patriotism and loyalty to the United States. In fact, both Guam and Puerto Rico boast some of the highest per-capita rates of military service in the United States. But while we are proud and fortunate to be Americans, we must be given an opportunity to decide our future political status. H.R. 2499 will provide the people of Puerto Rico a congressionally-sanctioned process to express their preferences regarding their political status. The bill's broad, bipartisan base of cosponsors as well as the unified support it enjoys among Puerto Rico's elected and governing leaders should not be overlooked, and in fact, should prompt us today to decisively pass this bill. Appropriate deference on questions about ballot format and process should be given to Governor Fortuno, the legislature leaders of Puerto Rico, and our colleague, Congressman Pierluisi of Puerto Rico. They are the democratically elected leaders of the people desiring Congress to sanction a process for them to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination. Mr. Chairman, Article 4, Section 3 of the Constitution makes it clear that Congress has the power to make needful rules and regulations governing the territories. Passing the Puerto Rico Democracy Act will fulfill the responsibility this body has to over 4 million American citizens. Each territory is on a different path toward self-determination, and what is appropriate for Puerto Rico may not be suitable for the other territories. But I firmly believe that the process established by H.R. 2499 is the best way for the people of Puerto Rico to exercise their right to self-determination and express their desires to Congress to ultimately resolve their political status. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this important and needed legislation.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009, introduced by my colleague, Congressman Pedro Pierluisi. As the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, I fully support this bill which the full Natural Resources Committee reported out favorably on July 22 last year. H.R. 2499 is an important bill for Puerto Rico and the other U.S. territories. As the delegate from Guam, I understand the desire of residents in the territories to decide their future and make a determination about their political future. Unlike other speakers here this afternoon, we on Guam are also in this same process of trying to determine our status. H.R. 2499 will provide the people of Puerto Rico a congressionally sanctioned process to express their preference regarding their political status. Each territory, Mr. Chairman, is on a different path towards self- determination, and what is appropriate for Puerto Rico may not be suitable for other territories. But I firmly believe that the process established by H.R. 2499 is the best way, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, today I have introduced a resolution to support the goals and ideas of the International Year of Biodiversity and to recognize the importance of biodiversity to ecosystems and human well-being. As our understanding of the interactions between humans and the environment grows, it has never been more evident and is highly dependent on our natural resources for the ecological goods, services and raw materials that underpin our economies, provide for our well- being, and are functional to many cultures. And accordingly, many of the goods and services on which we depend, both directly and indirectly, are supported by Earth's rich biodiversity. Biodiversity describes the variety of plant and animal life on earth, the places they inhabit, and the interactions between them. Today scientists have identified over 1.7 million species and have estimated that at least 13 million are in existence. Biodiversity allows ecosystems to be resilient in the face of change, which is critical to consider as we move toward a world where increasing population, economic growth, and unpredictable climate will place additional pressures on our natural resources. This resolution to support the goals and ideals of the International Year of biodiversity which I have introduced today, recognizes the environmental and societal value of diversity and the urgent need to protect this precious global heritage. Globally, 35 percent of mangrove swamps have been removed, 40 percent of been cut down, 50 percent of freshwater wetlands have been lost, and 20 percent of coral reefs have been destroyed. While some of these losses might be restored in the future, regrettably many species and habitats, once lost, are gone forever. Moreover, the current pace of habitat loss is rapid, as more natural areas are altered or removed to provide for agriculture and aquaculture production, housing and urban industry and recreation. In my home territory of Guam, we are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including increasing sea temperature, ocean acidification, and sea level rise, which threaten biodiversity within marine habitats. International and domestic conservation strategies are necessary to prevent the unfettered loss of critical areas of biodiversity, in Guam and globally, to ensure that ecosystem goods and services--such as shore protection and sustainable fisheries--are provided future generations. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this important resolution to reaffirm the United States' global leadership and longstanding commitment to the preservation and conservation of Earth's biodiversity, and to raise awareness about biodiversity's important role in supporting ecological and human well-being across the world.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jack Chan for his leadership and advocacy in support of minority small business owners. Mr. Chan is the Vice President of Kwong Hwa Trading Co. and is the U.S. Small Business Administration's ``Minority Champion of the Year'' for 2010. Jack was born in Hong Kong in 1972 to Ping Chan and King Ng. He attended elementary school in Hong Kong before relocating with his parents and five siblings to Guam in 1985. He attended John F. Kennedy High School and completed a one year Tourism Vocational Program at Guam Community College during his final year of high school. Jack continued his educational pursuits at the University of Guam, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in Marketing in 1997 while helping to maintain his family's business and working at a local tour agency. Jack serves as Vice President of Kwong Hwa Trading, and under his leadership, the company continues to work closely with other businesses, suppliers and local government agencies and non-profit organizations to support the local community. Jack's hard work, dedication and industrious nature have earned him the respect of business leaders in our community and in the western Pacific region. His efforts on the Board of Directors of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam (CCCG) have made a difference in the participation of other minority business owners and associates as CCCG members. A CCCG Member since the organization's inception, Jack is actively involved in its annual events and activities. Jack's participation in CCCG has helped to raise support and awareness for local organizations such as the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Club of Guam and the American Red Cross Guam Chapter. It is on the occasion of his recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Minority Champion of the Year for 2010, that I join the people of Guam to acknowledge his service and outstanding leadership in our community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Shana Guzman Pangelinan for her entrepreneurial spirit in growing her family- owned business on Guam and her dedication to our community. Ms. Pangelinan is the President of International Distributors, Inc. (IDI) and has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration's Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year for 2010. A native daughter of Guam, Shana is the second oldest of five children of Frank C. and Annie P. Guzman. Shana graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam High School and attended the University of San Francisco in California as a Business Management major. She returned home to Guam in 1993 and worked with her father, Frank, who established IDI, and learned from him the best practices which allowed Shana to take over management when he passed away in 2000. Under Shana's direction and leadership, IDI continues to thrive. With the same passion and conviction Shana demonstrates for her business, she dedicates her time and talents to her three children and their school activities. She has served as the Finance Committee Co- Chair for Mercy Heights Nursery School and contributes to the community as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Department of Chamorro Affairs and through organizations such as Hurao, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to perpetuate the Chamorro language and culture. To assist & promote Hurao, Shana has developed her own Chamorro immersion program. With her leadership, IDI continues to support our community by donating produce to various charitable organizations, including Catholic Social Services, Guma' San Jose, Alee Shelter, Department of Youth Affairs, and the Tamuning Senior Citizens Center. Shana also continues her father's legacy by ensuring IDI remains an active member & supporter of the Micronesian Chefs' Association, an organization of which her late father was a founding member, supporting the education and talents of young local chefs. It is on the occasion of her recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration as their Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year for 2010, that I join the people of Guam in acknowledging her service and outstanding leadership in our business community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Keven Camacho for his community engagement, support, and assistance for small business owners on Guam. As the Vice President/Northern Regional Manager for the Bank of Guam, Mr. Camacho was recently named the Guam Small Business Administration's Financial Services Champion of the Year for 2010. Keven earned his degree in Finance from Arizona State University in 1996 and soon began his career as a Management Trainee with the Bank of Guam. In 1997, Keven was promoted to Credits Officer, specializing in consumer loans and real estate. Continuing his advancement with the Bank of Guam, he was promoted as Branch Manager of their Tumon, Belau and Mangilao Branches. He later graduated in 2003 from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington, completing an intensive two-year Masters-level extension program for senior officers in the banking industry. Additionally, Keven received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Guam in 2006. In his current role, Keven assists small businesses in our community in identifying opportunities for growth. Over his 13-year career with the Bank of Guam, Keven's hard work and dedication have helped to advance the interests of small businesses on Guam. Keven uses his education and years of experience to serve our community by providing assistance with the grant funded Guam Options for Alternative Loans for Assistive Technology (GOAL-AT) and Get Guam Teleworking (GGT) programs. These programs provide loans to individuals with disabilities to assist them with starting home-based businesses. Keven not only provides technical assistance to these organizations but assists in outreach and presentations to various disability and senior citizen events, educating them about these programs, resources and the loan process. Keven also serves on the board of the Felix M. Camacho and Carlos G. Camacho Scholarship, a non-profit organization that offers up to four $1,000 scholarships annually to qualified participants. Keven's business background, professional advocacy, and his outstanding spirit of community, are, and will continue to be, valuable assets to our island community. It is on the occasion of his recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Financial Services Champion of the Year for 2010, that I join the people of Guam in acknowledging his service and outstanding leadership in our community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Arthur F. Mesa for his years of civic engagement, leadership and advocacy for Guam's veterans. Mr. Mesa, known to his family and friends as ``Art,'' is Editor and Publisher of the Guam Veterans News, host of K-57's radio show, ``Vet Talk,'' and was recently named the U.S. Small Business Administration's ``Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year for 2010.'' Art served in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971 as a member of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division. He is a 35-year resident of Guam. Following his service in the U.S. Army, Art worked in sales and in 1985, founded Independent Trading Company trading food products, appliances, and construction materials from the mainland to Guam and Micronesia. From 1989 to 1996, Art opened and operated Eagle Freight Services--which provided air freight services through five offices from Guam to the Midwest United States. From 1999 to 2006, Art co-founded and managed Auto Services 2000. Art has become a prominent figure in our community and serves as a Board Member for the Pacific Island Microcredit Institute, an organization that provides microloans to veterans and individuals at poverty level seeking self sufficiency and business opportunities. A strong and dynamic advocate for Guam's veterans' community, Art volunteers his time to educate veterans on a variety of issues including programs, benefits, health care, legal rights and national representation. Art's involvement in the veteran community has been recognized by various organizations. Art served as the Master of Ceremonies for Guam's Annual Veterans Day Memorial Program in 2009 and was a recipient of the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay's ``Service Above Self Award'' for his commitment to our island's veterans. An avid motorcycle rider, Art is a member of the Guam Veterans Harley Davidson Organization, which provides motorcade escorts for funerals of fallen soldiers and conducts other philanthropic activities such as distributing holiday treats to children on Guam during their annual Christmas motorcades. It is on the occasion of his recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration as their Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year for 2010, that I join the people of Guam to acknowledge him for his service and his commitment to our veteran community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Linda Tung for her entrepreneurial leadership and mentorship in the women's business community on Guam. Ms. Tung is the President and Founder of GIT International Tours and was recently named the U.S. Small Business Administration's Women in Business Champion of the Year for 2010. Linda was born and raised in Taiwan and is fluent in English, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese. Following her graduation from high school in 1966, she began working for a number of leading in-bound travel agencies in Taipei. Linda married Dr. Frank C. Tung in 1976 and after traveling throughout the United States for educational opportunities, the couple settled on Guam in 1985. Since that time, Linda served as Guam Operations Manager of Japan Travel Land and established GIT International Tours, Inc. Since its inception, GIT Tours has successfully provided various services to more than 320,000 visitors from Taiwan (R.O.C.), Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Honcho, Liaoning and the Philippines. Linda's thirty years of experience have proved invaluable as Chairwoman of the Tourism Committee of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam. She works in partnership with members of the Guam Visitors Bureau, the Office of the Governor of Guam, Government of Guam agencies, Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association, Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam and United Chinese Association of Guam, as well as numerous agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to promote Guam as a premier, family-oriented tourist destination in the Western Pacific. Linda often volunteers to help aspiring entrepreneurs on Guam. In addition, Linda has created opportunities for her female employees to engage in in-house cross-training to develop their leadership skills and expertise in all facets of the tour business. A number of her former female employees have continued to pursue their education and other career opportunities and are now recognized as leaders in their respective communities. As a mentor for women in the business community, Linda is a sounding board and colleague for many women seeking to emulate her success. It is on the occasion of her recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration as their Women in Business Champion of the Year for 2010, that I join the people of Guam to acknowledge her service and outstanding leadership in our business community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Fong S. Wu for his years of community involvement and service on Guam. Mr. Wu is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sunny Plastic (Guam) Inc. and Pacific Sunny Group of Companies. He was recently named the U.S. Small Business Administration's ``Person of the Year'' for 2010. Fong is currently the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of LTA, LLC., and is responsible for corporate planning and the operation of Ladera Towers, a luxury hotel/condominium. He is also Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of PacSun Investments, responsible for all strategic initiatives of its real estate investment projects. In addition, Fong is Managing Partner of Pago Bay Resort, LLC. Raised on the island of Guam, Fong is a valuable member of our community and is an officer and founding member of Guam's Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as the Chairman for the Guam Chinese School Foundation, President of the Chinese School Board of Guam and President and member of the Board of the United Chinese Association of Guam. Fong has held public office as Secretary and member of the Board of Directors for the Guam Economic Development Authority, as well as the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commissioner of the Republic of China. He was appointed by Governor Felix Camacho of Guam as an Ambassador of Goodwill to foster better economic ties between Guam and Taiwan. Fong strives for excellence in business and in all aspects of life. He has taken a leadership role in fundraising, contributing time and energy towards various non-profit and community organizations. His service spans a wide range of organizations including the American Red Cross, Make a Wish Foundation, Fo Guan Shan Temple, University of Guam Endowment Foundation, University of Guam Board of Regents, Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteer Association, Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association, Guam Visitors Bureau, Filipino Community of Guam, Korean Ladies' Association of Guam, Rotary of Guam Sunrise, International Women's Club of Guam, and the Guam Society of America among others. It is on the occasion of his recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Person of the Year for 2010, that I join the people of Guam to acknowledge him for his commendable service and leadership in our community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chair, I was absent from the Chamber today, Thursday, April 15, 2010, due to the travel schedule for my return to my district on account of official business. Had I been present for the rollcall votes taken today in the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union on the amendments that were offered to H.R. 4715, the Clean Estuaries Act of 2010, I would have voted as follows: ``aye'' on the amendment offered by Ms. Shea-Porter of New Hampshire (rollcall vote 207).

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary community service and leadership of Rear Admiral Douglass T. Biesel, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas; and Commander, Joint Region Marianas. RDML Biesel has been an outstanding leader for the men and women under his command and he has encouraged his troops to be active in our community. RDML Biesel has been a supporter of programs that enhance and promote the Chamorro culture on Guam, and he recently directed the transfer of two historic Latte Stones from the headquarters of Joint Region Marianas to the Governor's Complex in Adelup, Guam. The Latte Stone is an important symbol of Chamorro identity in Guam and the Marianas and represents the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of our islands. RDML Biesel's efforts to return these ancient symbols of Chamorro culture to the people of Guam are sincerely appreciated by the Chamorro people and our whole community. RDML Biesel is from Coudersport, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Newtown, Connecticut. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1980, RDML Biesel was assigned to serve as Commander of Joint Region Marianas in Guam in May 2009 and was reassigned to serve as Commander of Navy Region Northwest in Silverdale, Washington in March 2010. It is on the occasion of Rear Admiral Biesel's departure from Joint Region Marianas that I join the people of Guam in acknowledging his leadership, outstanding contributions to our community and cultural awareness.