Madeleine Bordallo

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch), the original sponsor of this very important resolution.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, at this time I have no further speakers, and I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to my colleague on the House Committee on Armed Services and Natural Resources, Mr. Wittman. I've enjoyed working with him on the floor this afternoon. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, at this time I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close after my colleague has yielded back his time. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution now under consideration.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 1020, recognizing the tremendous service that members of our Armed Forces have provided to the country, especially those who have been wounded in combat. I thank our colleague from Vermont (Mr. Welch) for introducing this resolution. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and their families are making extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country. Over 4,500 servicemembers have made the ultimate sacrifice in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Nearly 32,000 servicemembers have been wounded, of which a little over 17,000 have returned to duty. Today, servicemembers have an unprecedented chance of survival, unlike those who had similar wounds in Vietnam and the Second World War. The medical advances that have taken place on the current battlefield have made these significant achievements possible. However, while members are surviving their injuries and wounds at an unprecedented rate, they are coming home with more complex psychological injuries. These individuals who have honorably served our Nation may need medical care and assistance for the rest of their lives. House Resolution 1020 commits this Congress to ensuring that these brave, wounded warriors receive the best medical care available, and commends all Americans who volunteer to support these wounded warriors and their families. So, Madam Speaker, I again commend our colleague from Vermont (Mr. Welch) for his introduction of this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1020) recognizing the tremendous service that members of the Armed Forces have given to the Nation, especially those who have been wounded in combat, as amended.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Higgins).

Ms. BORDALLO

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

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, at this time I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 70, which commemorates 2008 as the centennial of the United States Army Reserve, celebrating the historic contributions of its veterans and continuing contributions of its soldiers to operations at home and abroad. I thank my colleague, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, for introducing this important resolution. On January 9, 1905, the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, dispatched a special message to the Senate and the House of Representatives recommending passage of legislation to establish a Federal Reserve force of trained personnel to bring our Army to its highest point of efficiency. Beginning as a supplementary unit at the turn of the 20th century, our Army Reserve soldiers have shown immeasurable dedication and valor through the broadening of their inceptive purpose. The Army Reserve has developed from a few support troops during World War I into a vital and sustained operational force for current and future operations. This Federal force has been deployed in different capacities, serving in eight wars and defending the interests of the United States and its allies in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Russia, Berlin, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Kenya, Iraq and numerous humanitarian missions in other countries during its first 100 years. Involvement in operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Joint Endeavor, Joint Guard, Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, and Iraqi Freedom shows the Army is incomplete without the skilled and trained personnel of its Reserve. The Army Reserve has grown from 160 medical officers to virtually 200,000 soldiers who play a major role in the defense of our Nation and who continue in the furtherance of the United States defense interests. At this moment approximately 50,000 of our Nation's Army Reserve soldiers are serving on active duty around the world. These men and women voluntarily put their civilian careers and family lives on hold. And in most cases, they do so for over a year which is a testament to their selflessness, patriotism, and willingness to sacrifice for the good of our country. Indeed, I am extremely proud of all of our Armed Forces: the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps and the National Guard. Our entire military continues to work diligently in a time of conflict, and deserves the highest respect for their courage in the face of adversity. H.J. Res. 70 is our way, as the United States Congress, of recognizing the centennial of our Army Reserve, a force that our institution played a role in creating 100 years ago. This resolution honors the sacrifice and tremendous distinction of the millions of American men and women who have served as Army soldiers since April 23, 1908. Madam Speaker, I again thank our colleague from Georgia (Mr. Bishop) for his initiative in bringing us together today to recognize and honor the Army Reserve on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, and I urge my colleagues to support the resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution now under consideration.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop), the original sponsor of this joint resolution.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 70) congratulating the Army Reserve on its centennial, which will be formally celebrated on April 23, 2008, and commemorating the historic contributions of its veterans and continuing contributions of its soldiers to the vital national security interests and homeland defense missions of the United States, as amended.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Madam Speaker, I stand before you in support of House Resolution 265, honoring military children for their personal sacrifice and recognizing the month of April as the National Month of the Military Child. Currently, 2.75 million Americans are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. Of that number, 1.7 million who have served or who are currently serving have been deployed, nearly 600,000 members have deployed more than once, and close to 260,000 are currently deployed. These are important points for us to take note of and reflect upon today because today there are nearly 1.2 million military children in families whose parents proudly serve in the uniform. Unfortunately, 50 percent of the servicemembers who are currently deployed away from their duty stations are separated from their spouses and their children. Long-term and multiple deployments have shown undesirable effects on both servicemembers, their families and their children. They sometimes experience severe emotional, psychological and fiscal problems over the course of these deployments. Over extended periods of time, anxiety and strain become a part of the daily lives of both spouses and children who sacrifice unduly. Approximately 3,400 military children have lost a parent serving in the Armed Forces during the preceding 5 years. Military children are making personal sacrifices in support of this Nation. During National Month of the Military Child, we need to ensure that we support all the American children who faithfully share their family in order to protect our way of life. House Resolution 265 encourages public and private sector support for both military children and their families through direct contributions to scholarships, grants and donations, action which promotes family readiness. So it is appropriate to celebrate the children who are loved by these brave men and women in uniform. The health and the well-being of these children is important to the overall readiness of our forces. We therefore appreciate the leadership shown by our distinguished colleague from Northern Virginia (Mr. Moran) in sponsoring this important resolution. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 265, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards), the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran) who is the original sponsor of this important measure.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 265) honoring military children during ``National Month of the Military Child,'' as amended.

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life and public service of Herminia Duenas Dierking, a distinguished leader from Guam who passed away on March 24, 2008. Herminia served the people of Guam in leadership positions in our community including as a Senator in the Guam Legislature, a professor at the University of Guam, and as a cabinet officer in the Government of Guam. Herminia Duenas Dierking, daughter of the late Maria Pangelinan Guzman and Jose Cruz Duenas, was born on August 17, 1939 in the capital village of Hagatna. She grew up aware of the hardships endured by our people during the occupation of Guam and she later used that knowledge and compassion to work for justice for our people as a member of the Guam War Reparations Commission. Herminia is a fine example of how education can open doors to new opportunities. She received her high school diploma from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam and pursued college degrees from the University of Missouri at Kansas City and later from the University of Guam where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. She continued to work toward an advanced degree from Emporia State University, Kansas and successfully obtained a Masters of Science in Business Administration. Herminia began her professional career as an assistant professor at the University of Guam and rose to become the chairperson of the Accounting Department, serving thirteen years in the College of Business and Public Administration. Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo, my late husband, recognized her expertise in management and appointed her as the Director of the Bureau of Budget and Management Research in 1983. She was also appointed as the Chairperson of the Fiscal Policy Committee of the Government of Guam. Herminia's leadership helped to restore the fiscal health of the Government of Guam, leading to an economic recovery. Herminia was urged by Governor Bordallo and other local leaders who recognized her leadership potential to run for a seat in the 18th Guam Legislature. She was successful in her first run for elected office and was subsequently reelected to the 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd Guam Legislatures. During her tenure as a Senator, she served as Chairwoman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Chairwoman of the Committee on Rules, Chairwoman of the Committee on Health, Welfare, & Ecology, and Vice Chair of the Committee on General Governmental Operations. In addition to her leadership positions in the Guam Legislature, Herminia also served on the Legislative Management Committee on the Assembly of the Legislature of the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Executive Committee of the Western Legislative Conference, and the Committee on Suggested State Legislation on the Council of State Governments. She was appointed to represent Guam in the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures. Herminia contributed her time and effort to community improvement by volunteer work and service in several community organizations. She served as president of the Association of Government Accountants, the Guam Business Education Association, and the Guam Business and Professional Women's Club. She was also appointed to serve in leadership roles for the Western Business Education Association, Manukai Swim Club, Far East Swim League, Beauty World Guam, Tamuning Elementary School PTA, Guam Beauty Association, Father Duenas Memorial High School Parents Guild, American Heart Association, and Guam Memorial Board of Trustees. She was a member of the Soroptomist International, the Guam Lytico and Bodig Association and the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association. My thoughts and prayers are with Herminia's husband, Deacon John C. Dierking, their five children, Cliff, Kurt, Steven, Anna Maria, and John Paul, their grandchildren, and the many family and friends whose lives she touched. We honor her life's work as an educator and community leader. Most of all, she will always be remembered as a gentle woman who always had a kind word and a warm smile. She lived a full life and we are grateful for her public service. We will all miss her dearly.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication and commitment of Dr. Jason Biggs to our community of Guam. Dr. Biggs' scholarly achievements and his commitment to youth outreach and educational programs are appreciated by educators and students on Guam. Today he serves as an assistant professor in the University of Guam's Marine Laboratory and is the first Chamorro to hold a tenure-track position within the Marine Lab. He is the son of Joel G. Biggs and Anita R. Cruz. Dr. Biggs is a graduate of George Washington High School and the University of Guam (UOG), both located in the village of Mangilao, Guam. He obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees in biology from UOG. This academic foundation prepared him to pursue an advanced degree at the University of Utah, and in 2005 he successfully earned his doctor of philosophy in pharmacology and toxicology. Dr. Biggs brings his knowledge and love of learning to our university and our schools. He is a superb role model to our young people. Dr. Biggs works to promote science and scientific careers to youth through outreach programs. He has authored a textbook designed to introduce concepts in chemistry, biology, and biodiversity to elementary school students to encourage learning through interactive experiments. Dr. Biggs served in various professional capacities as he pursued his doctorate. He participated in important research as a Molluscan DNA- Barcoder and Specialist of Chemical Ecology of Conidae for the Museum of Natural History in Paris. This research project brought him to the South Pacific country of Vanuatu where he worked with 50 other marine scientists. Dr. Biggs also worked as a forensics consultant for the office of Forensic Science, New Jersey State Police and he now brings these forensic skills to assist in local police efforts. On behalf of the people of Guam, I commend and congratulate Dr. Jason Biggs for his achievements and his service to our island community. I look forward to hearing of his future academic successes at the University of Guam and his future contributions to our island.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, nearly half of the population of the United States lives along our country's 95,331 miles of ocean and Great Lakes coastline. The 153 million people who live and work in the coastal zone--roughly 11 percent of the total U.S. land area-- contribute tens of billions of dollars to our national economy. For example, roughly $700 billion in cargo and merchandise moves through our country's ports on an annual basis. While the country's coastal zone remains intrinsically linked to our entire economy, coastal regions are also home to a variety of incredibly valuable natural resources, such as commercial fisheries, coral reefs, coastal estuaries and wetlands, mineral resources, and vital fish and wildlife habitat. Moreover, at a time when our economy and the environment are both in need of attention, and when cooperation between the Federal government and the States and territories has never been more essential to address future challenges created by a changing climate, it is important for the Congress to reauthorize the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). Reauthorization of this Act re-emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced management approach in this critical geographic area. The initial passage in 1972 of the Coastal Zone Management Act championed an innovative and forward-thinking strategy to address the complexity of issues, the needs of individual States and territories, and the national interest to ensure the long-term, sensible management of the country's entire coastal zone. The Act was designed as a voluntary federal-state partnership. States and territories receive cost sharing grants to develop and subsequently implement State management programs that comply with broad Federal policies. For example, State and territorial coastal zone management programs encourage comprehensive planning to enable both the protection and development of coastal lands where possible. State and territorial coastal programs also strive to restore and enhance coastal resources, perpetuate water-dependent uses and preserve coastal public access. States and territories also gained an equal authority, known generally as ``Federal Consistency'' to review all Federal agency activities or Federally-permitted activities for the coastal zone to ensure compatibility with Federally-approved State or territory coastal programs and policies. While at times controversial, consistency reviews emerged as a remarkably successful tool in facilitating cooperation between the coastal states and territories and the Federal agencies. Although participation in the Coastal Zone Management program is voluntary, 34 out of 35 eligible coastal States and territories are now fully participating in the program, and collectively, 99 percent of U.S. coastlines fall under the Act's authority. The territory I represent, Guam, proudly participates in the coastal zone management program. Because Guam is an island, our entire land area is considered a coastal zone. Important and unique management issues regarding development frequently arise for our community, including impacts on cultural and historic resource preservation, water quality, and the integrity of coral reef ecosystems and our watershed habitat. For example, under the Guam Coastal Management Program, analysis of damages from coastal hazards led to the development of an Environmental Emergency Response Plan that our community relies upon in preparing for and responding to typhoons. This Plan allowed our community to successfully respond to coastal and environmental challenges arising from recent typhoons that struck our island, including Typhoon Chata'an in July 2002 and Super Typhoon Pongsona in December 2002. This plan is but one example from many that demonstrate the practical and positive impact of the Coastal Zone Management Act for Guam. Since the Act's enactment in 1972, Congress has amended it on various occasions in order to address changing circumstances and needs. Among such refinements was the establishment of a system of National Estuarine Research Reserves, authorization of the Enhancement Grant Program to help States and the territories address new and emerging issues, and the establishment of the Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program to address the present and growing threat to coastal waters caused by polluted run-off. Today, our country is presented with coastal zone challenges that were unforeseen and not addressed in previous reauthorizations of the Coastal Zone Management Act. These challenges include climate change, aquatic nuisance species, increased risk exposure to catastrophic storms and natural hazards, and the preservation of open space in the midst of an expanding human footprint. Many of these challenges were identified by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy in 2004 and the Pew Oceans Commission in 2003. In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Coastal States Organization (CSO) initiated in 2007 a joint comprehensive analysis of the Act to see if and how it might be amended to better address the challenges of the future. I believe it is important to reauthorize this Act with input from the States and territories, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and scientists and coastal community stakeholders. Any reauthorization of the Act should be oriented toward improving our ability to better prepare for and respond to future challenges impacting the health and integrity of the ecosystems within our country's coastal zones. It is for these reasons that I introduced H.R. 5451, the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act of 2008, to reauthorize and increase appropriations to implement the Coastal Zone Management Act. I was joined in doing so by other members of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans. Together we are committed to addressing this reauthorization opportunity and objective in a bipartisan fashion. On February 28, 2008, the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans convened for a hearing on H.R. 5451 and received testimony from the Administration and stakeholders. I fully recognize that this bill is a placeholder and a starting point for a much more substantive dialogue as we begin to address the new realities facing our country's coastal zone. I hope my colleagues will join us in this effort to reauthorize this landmark environmental law, and to ensure that we leave for our children and grandchildren a coastal zone that is vibrant, healthy and welcoming to all.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I was absent from the chamber today, Thursday, March 13, 2008, due to the travel schedule for my return to my district on account of official business. Had I been present for the three rollcall votes taken today in the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union on the amendments that were offered in the nature of a substitute to House Concurrent Resolution 312, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2009, I would have voted as follows: ``aye'' on the amendment offered by Ms. Kilpatrick of Michigan and Mr. Scott of Virginia (rollcall vote 137); ``no'' on the amendment offered by Ms. Lee of California (rollcall vote 138); and ``no'' on the amendment offered by Mr. Ryan of Wisconsin (rollcall vote 140).

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Laura-Lynn Viegas Dacanay on being named the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2008 Financial Services Champion of the Year for Guam. Laura is a leader in the financial services industry of the region and is a committed member of our island community. She has a rewarding career in the banking profession dating back to the 1970s, when she began with an entry level position at Chase Manhattan Bank as a telephone switchboard and telex operator and cashier. In 1984, she became a loan officer and later was promoted to loan manager. In 1986, she joined the First Hawaiian Bank as an assistant branch manager. In just over 10 years, Laura has been promoted from manager to assistant vice president, and today, to senior vice president of the Guam and Northern Marianas region. Under her leadership, First Hawaiian Bank has had outstanding performance ratings. She has increased residential funding to over $8 million, managed the acquisition of accounts and employees of Union Bank of California on Guam and Saipan, and paved the way for the opening of the Tamuning branch and off-site ATMs. Laura is active in our community and she is the current chairwoman of the Guam Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she chairs the Family Selection Committee of Habitat for Humanity. She serves as an advisor to the Guam Visitors' Bureau 5-Year Strategic Plan Task Force, Strategic Economic Development Council in Saipan, the USO Advisory Council, and Andersen Civilian Advisory Council. She is also a member of the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association and Guam Board of Realtors Association. Laura's expert knowledge of banking and finance has resulted in business success for her banks and quality financial services for our community. I commend her commitment to serving our people, and I congratulate her as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2008 Financial Services Champion of the Year for Guam.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Gary K. Sung on being named the U.S. Small Business Administration 2008 Small Business Young Entrepreneur Champion of the Year for Guam. Gary Sung is the sole proprietor of Ideal Advertising. With his knowledge of technology and web development, combined with his determination and business sense, Gary transformed Ideal Advertising from a home-based business to a successful advertising agency with nine full-time employees. Gary was also named Regional Young Entrepreneur Champion of the Year in 2007 from a pool of young business owners from California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii. I congratulate Gary K. Sung on his business success, and I join our island in celebrating his regional and national recognition as the U.S. Small Business Administration 2008 Small Business Young Entrepreneur Champion of the Year for Guam.