Madeleine Bordallo

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, which was passed by a 375-34 vote on Friday. I commend Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Smith and the committee staff who worked many long nights on the FY17 NDAA. I worked with Mr. Smith and members of the committee, particularly Readiness Chairman Rob Wittman, to include a number of provisions and funding levels that will address certain readiness shortfalls and continue to support the Asia-Pacific Rebalance. This conference agreement, along with the House report passed in May, includes a number of provisions that are particularly important for the people of Guam. Over the past few months of negotiations, we were able to secure the provision that authorizes the payment of claims to the survivors of the occupation of Guam during World War II and the heirs of those who were killed during the occupation. During World War II, Guam was the only U.S. civilian population occupied by Japan, and during this time our people were subjected to rape, torture, assault, murder, and other inhumane atrocities. The provision does not add to federal spending and utilizes mandatory federal spending provided only to the Government of Guam for taxes paid by federal personnel stationed on Guam. This is an important step towards recognizing the men, women, and children who endured injustice yet remained and remain loyal and patriotic Americans, and its inclusion this year is a hard fought victory for the people of Guam. I look forward to working with the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, the Trump Administration and stakeholders on Guam to ensure that the war claims program is implemented in a fair, transparent and equitable manner. I will work to ensure the process is as clear to the people of Guam as possible so that we can truly bring closure to this matter. We also successfully repealed the remaining restrictions on civilian infrastructure projects related to water and wastewater, as well as the construction of a cultural artifact repository, and authorized $67.5 million for these investments. This bill also authorizes military infrastructure projects, including full funding for six military construction projects for housing, munitions, and power infrastructure development. These projects total nearly $250 million and demonstrate further the continued commitment of the U.S. government to the Guam build-up and the realignment of Marines. At the same time, this build-up must continue to reflect the 2011 Four Pillars agreement that commits the Navy to being a responsible community partner. Because of local concerns raised about land returns and how that will be calculated and tracked, we hold the Navy accountable to its ``Net Negative'' commitment by including in this bill a reporting requirement on past, current, and future Navy land usage on Guam. It is important that we have a mutual understanding about what lands will be returned to ensure that the Navy's commitment to hold no more land than it already has is upheld. There are other challenges associated with the Guam build-up that are addressed this year. The Senate Judiciary Committee majority objected to the House-passed provision that would address workforce challenges affecting the health care and construction industries by providing flexibility to U.S. Customs and Immigration Services as it evaluates H- 2B visa renewal applications. These industries directly support the military mission on Guam and having an inadequate workforce on island could negatively impact our national security. However, in order to gather additional data and continue to build the argument in order to address the situation in the coming year, there is a reporting requirement that asks the Navy to document the mission specific impacts of a reduced workforce associated with increased denials of these applications. I am deeply disappointed that this tailored provision was not ultimately included in the Conference Report but I will work with the Department of Defense to address this matter in next year's defense bill or any other appropriate legislation next year. Immediately, I will work with USCIS to see if any additional emergency authorities exist to find a temporary solution to the matter so that we do not hold up military construction projects. We must find a more permanent solution to the repeated denials of H-2B labor on Guam so we can have a stable and consistent workforce to meet construction timelines and provide critical health care to the military and residents of Guam. Additionally, ballooning cost estimates and associated scheduling delays because of Navy requirements for clearance of munitions and explosives of concern have disrupted numerous projects and need to be addressed. While the Navy has demonstrated a commitment to finding a balance that assures public safety while eliminating unnecessary, burdensome, and duplicative requirements, there is more that needs to be done. Early next spring. I expect the Navy to brief us on steps they are taking to mitigate redundancies and find acceptable efficiencies and we will continue to track this issue closely. Additionally, this bill mandates a review of distinguished Asian American and Pacific Islander war heroes who may have been unjustly overlooked in consideration of the Medal of Honor. I especially want to thank Ranking Member Smith for his leadership on issues important to Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and working to get that provision included in the Conference report. This review was first conducted for AAPIs who served during World War II, but did not include those who served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Similar reviews have been conducted for African, Jewish, and Hispanic Americans and I believe that it is prudent to also conduct a comprehensive review for AAPIs who may have faced similar discrimination. It's important we appropriately recognize those who have given so much in support of our freedoms. There are numerous provisions in this year's NDAA which help develop or restate our national security priorities in the Asia-Pacific region. We included several provisions which aim to help continue to build our relationship with Taiwan, including requiring a feasibility report on replenishment stops for Taiwanese midshipmen during their annual exercise in the Pacific as well as encouraging the U.S. and Taiwan to work together to engage in senior military leader exchanges. These will help build our bilateral relationship and provide opportunities for mutual exchange of information and training. This relationship will continue to be a critical asset for U.S. engagement in the region. We also seek to clarify and document aerial and maritime freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea. This requirement tasks the Navy and Air Force with reporting quarterly on important details pertaining to individual operations which are meant to challenge claims to disputed islands in the region and ensure freedom of navigation for all vessels and aircraft. Additionally, this report expresses a Sense of Congress in support of trilateral cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Japan and South Korea are important American allies in the region and have taken steps to rebuild their bilateral relationship, which the U.S. must continue to encourage and foster. As we continue a unified approach to countering nuclear proliferation in North Korea, as well as deterring and destroying threats emanating from the unstable regime, there are opportunities to leverage the Guam National Guard in defense of the homeland. Building on discussions I have had with senior Army leaders, the bill report encourages the Department of the Army and the National Guard Bureau to ensure that there are resources made available in the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget to integrate the Guam Army National Guard into the security force mission for the THAAD deployed to Guam. Not only does this mission fit perfectly into the Total Force integration for which the Army has been an advocate, it contributes to Active and Reserve Component readiness, and enables the National Guard to utilize their capabilities for the homeland defense mission. The bill also continues to promote invasive specific prevention and management and regional biosecurity issues and complements appropriations legislation for the Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which require briefing on the Regional Biosecurity Plan on recommendations that will minimize the harmful ecological, social, cultural, and economic impacts of invasive species. This will encourage the Department of Defense and other federal agencies to make progress on implementation of high priority proposals contained within the Plan. Finally, this bill provides critical funding for a number of Department of Defense programs that are important to Guam, the Asia- Pacific rebalance, and our broader national security interests. We provide critical funding to the Long Range Strike Bomber program and additional funding to keep the fielding of the MQ-4 program on track. There is also $15 million in additional funding for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program. Though there needs to be greater allocation of resources for critical programs such as the National Guard State Partnership Program and the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, we were able to protect the President's Budget Request. However, these programs and their significant return on investment merit greater funding contributions.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. I thank the chairman, and I appreciate that he took the time to stop on Guam in October to see and understand the strategic value of our island and also better understand, firsthand, some of the unique challenges. It was a real honor, his visit, for the people of Guam, and I thank both the chairman and our Ranking Member Smith for their assistance.

Ms. BORDALLO. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding and wish to engage the gentleman from Texas, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, in a colloquy. Mr. Speaker, let me first start by thanking the chairman and the committee staff again for working diligently with us to address a number of provisions important to our territory, our island, and U.S. posture in the Asia-Pacific region. I especially appreciate your support for our efforts to address workforce issues through the inclusion in the House bill of a targeted remedy for the H-2B visa denial issue particularly affecting military health care and construction projects on Guam. Though the House Judiciary majority and minority approved the language, it is my understanding that the provision was not included in the final conference agreement due to concerns raised by the Senate Judiciary majority. As we look toward next year, will the chairman commit to working with me to address this issue to ensure the realignment of U.S. Marines to Okinawa is not adversely impacted?

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I commend Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith and the committee staff who have worked many, many long nights on this year's defense bill. This conference report provides funding levels that work to address readiness shortfalls, a process that takes time and will continue to require stable, consistent funding. Unfortunately, that is something that we are not afforded under sequestration and reliance on continuing resolutions. I also appreciated the efforts to fight in conference for the provisions that were important to the territory of Guam. In particular, I am pleased that the restrictions are lifted for remaining water and wastewater civilian infrastructure projects, as well as for the construction associated with the cultural artifact repository, and that military infrastructure projects were authorized at the President's budget request level. I thank again Ranking Member Smith for working with me to get a provision through conference mandating a review of distinguished Asian American and Pacific Islander veterans who may have been unjustly overlooked in the Medal of Honor consideration. We must never overlook the past contributions of our brave men and women in uniform. To that end, I am also heartened to see the inclusion of the Guam war claims. It is time that we bring resolution to the people of Guam after 70 years and all U.S. citizens who have suffered under enemy occupation during World War II. We have advanced this legislation this far in the past numerous times, but I hope that my colleagues in the Senate will also pass this critical legislation. Ultimately, finding an offset for this legislation has helped to bring resolution to the matter. The people of Guam deserve to close this chapter in our history. I look forward to this bill passing the House as well as the Senate before being signed into law by the President later this month.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the life of my good friend, Congressman Mark Takai of Hawaii. Mark was a fierce advocate for the people of Hawaii and was a champion of issues important to the AAPI community. Prior to his two decades as a representative in the Hawaii State House, Mark briefly lived in Guam, my home, and attended school there, which helped to inform his perspectives on the unique challenges affecting the territories. Here in Congress, Mark was an embodiment of the aloha spirit. I worked with him on a number of issues impacting Guam, Hawaii, and the Pacific region. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I truly appreciated his insights and views, especially his experiences as lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard. Mark's passing creates a void in Congress that cannot be replaced, but his life and his legacy will forever live on in all of us who knew him and in the many public policies that he helped to enact to make life for all Americans better. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend my condolences to his wife, Sami; his children, Matthew and Kaila; and the entire Takai family. Mark, you will be deeply missed. As we say in Guam: Un Dangkulo na Si Yu'os Ma'ase, Mark.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of September as National Preparedness Month. I commend the Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), first responders and all community organizations, local government agencies, our military partners, and advocates who work to raise awareness and stress the importance of emergency preparedness in our community. The National Preparedness Month theme for 2016 is ``Don't Wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.'' National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit. Guam joins the national campaign throughout the month of September to stress the importance of planning and preparing for natural, man-made and technological disasters. National Preparedness Month gets everyone in the community involved to build a sager, more prepared island community. I call upon our community to do our part to ensure that we are prepared for any emergency that may occur. Family members may not all be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to work in our individual families to create a plan. National Preparedness Month also encourages businesses, schools and communities to take the steps to prepare. Additionally, I commend the Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense along with our island's numerous community partners, organizations and agencies that have come together to actively promote, educate, and provide resources for our people through various programs and initiatives. Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense carries out the mission of coordinating and facilitating all Government of Guam, military and Federal liaison response agencies and their resources in mitigating, preparing, responding, and recovering from any and all types of emergencies in order to protect the lives, environment, and property of the island of Guam. On behalf of the people of Guam, I join Guam Homeland Security/ Office of Civil Defense and all local government agencies, our military partners, organizations and advocates in recognizing survivors on Guam and commending those who assist in building a stronger, safer and more prepared island community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Yeoman Chief Nathaniel L. Roundy, who is retiring from the Navy after 22 years of honorable service. This career U.S. Navy Flag Writer is from Mystic, Connecticut, and the son of a U.S. Naval Academy graduate. Chief Roundy graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall and joined the U.S. Navy in 1994, attending Recruit Training Command Great Lakes followed by Yeoman training in Meridian, Mississippi. Chief Roundy has served onboard two aircraft carriers, USS Independence (CV 62) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), both forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. While serving on these ships, he earned designation as both an Enlisted Surface Warfare and Enlisted Aviation Warfare specialist and served in multiple positions including Air Department Leading Yeoman and Executive Officer's Yeoman. He also earned the distinction of being the only Third Class Petty Officer and non-Damage Control rating Sailor to qualify and serve as an aircraft carrier repair locker investigator. After brief service with the Navy's Pacific Board of Inspection and Survey in San Diego, California, Chief Roundy attended Yeoman Class `C' Flag Writer School in Millington, Tennessee, and served as the Flag Writer to Rear Admiral Tom S. Fellin, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas in Apra Harbor, Guam. Remaining in the South Pacific, Chief Roundy then served Rear Admiral Patrick W. Dunne, the Department of Defense Representative to Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau. He transferred with Rear Admiral Dunne to Monterey, California, and continued his service as Admiral Dunne's Flag Writer at Naval Postgraduate School. Following Rear Admiral Dunne's retirement, Chief Roundy joined the staff of Rear Admiral William D. French, Commander, Navy Region Northwest in Silverdale, Washington. He returned to Guam when Rear Admiral French assumed command of Navy Region Marianas and followed Rear Admiral French to San Diego at Navy Region Southwest and subsequently during Vice Admiral French's command of Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C. He currently serves as Flag Writer to Vice Admiral Dixon R. Smith, Commander, Navy Installations Command at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. During his illustrious career, Chief Roundy was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, six Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, six Good Conduct Medals, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and numerous unit, campaign, and service awards. Not only has Chief Roundy's career greatly benefitted the Navy, his exemplary service during his three assignments in Guam greatly enhanced the Navy's relationship with the people and leadership of Guam. He was awarded the Ancient Order of the Chamorri from the Governor of Guam in 2009. Additionally, two of his four children were born on Guam, making it a place that he will forever remember and cherish his time spent there. On behalf of the people of Guam and a grateful nation, I commend Yeoman Chief Nathaniel L. Roundy and his family for their extraordinary service and sacrifice to the U.S. Navy and our country. I extend a sincere with deepest gratitude (un dangkulo na si Yu'os ma'ase) and I wish him the best in his retirement.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Guam Senator and businessman, Vicente D. ``Ben'' Ada. Ben Ada was a proud son of Guam, faithful public servant and successful businessman. Ben was born on January 24, 1932 and passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the age of 84. Ben was the son of the late Vicente Cepeda Ada and Dolores de LeonGuerrero Diaz Ada and married to the late Teresita Gutierrez Borja Ada for 57 years. He was a member of our island's greatest generation and served in the U.S. Air Force as a B52 Bomber mechanic 1957 until 1964. Ben was also a Veteran of the Korean War Era. After serving in the Air Force, Ben became the General Manager of the Pioneer Shop and was an Insurance Underwriter from 1964 until 1967. In 1966, Ben and his wife Teresita opened Ada's Insurance and also became the distributor of Daihatsu vehicles in Guam. In 1971, Ben was elected as a senator to the Guam Legislature. He served the people for Guam faithfully for four terms in the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th Guam Legislatures. Ben was dedicated to improving our island community for all by expanding infrastructure coverage and providing funding for resources throughout Guam's villages. In 1972, Ben opened a family business, Pacific Funeral Home which became Ada's Funeral Home in 1992. The family business has served the people of Guam for 45 years. Ben and Ada's Funeral Home was awarded the 2011 U.S. Small Business Administration's Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business Award. In addition to his life in business and public service, Ben also found time to volunteer in the community. He served as the Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America Troop 17 during which he composed the official Troop 17 song, ``We are the Boys of 17.'' He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Pale San Vitores Council 05666. Ben was also a generous benefactor of many religious orders, such as the Carmelite Monastery of Guam and the St. Fideles Capuchin Friary. Ben gave his time and talents freely to many causes. He played an instrumental role in preparing for the historic visit of Pope Jon Paul the II to Guam in 1981. I will always remember Ben for helping countless families on Guam as a public servant in the Guam Legislature and as the owner of Ada's Funeral Home. His work ethic was unparalleled and evident in the day-to-day operation of the family business. Throughout the years Ben's compassion and generosity has assisted countless families during their most difficult times. In particular, I knew Ben to be a man deeply devoted to his faith and to the care of his family. I extend my sincere condolences to the entire Ada family on their loss. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Vicente D. ``Ben'' Ada, and I join the people of Guam in celebrating his life, and recognizing and remembering his dedicated service to Guam. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends. I extend my condolences to his children Vincent Ada, Anita and Frank Okazaki, Bennett Ada, Pete Ada, Rick and Meren Ada, Tony and Annette Ada, Therese and Danny Ybarra, Carmen Gaskins and Lourdes Ada, his 36 grandchildren and 59 great- grandchildren. He will be missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I reintroduced a bill to amend and reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. Conservation of coral reef ecosystems is essential to protect public health, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure long-term economic progress for the jurisdictions we represent in Congress. The sovereign waters of the United States off the coast of Guam, and in the Pacific region as a whole, contain a majority of the shallow-water coral reefs in the United States, as well as some of the world's greatest coral reef biodiversity. These reefs, and reefs around the world, provide habitat and shelter for fisheries, provide food and recreation for our residents, and are the basis for marine tourism industries. Coral reefs also provide important mitigation from extreme weather events, including hurricanes and typhoons, by absorbing up to 90% of wave energy, mitigating some of the most costly aspects of severe storms. Coastal storms account for 71% of annual disaster losses. Healthy reef systems may protect an estimated $47,000 of property value for every meter of reef during severe weather events. Today, however, various pressures on the world's reefs threaten to destroy them and the numerous ecosystem services, valued at over $8 billion, which they provide. Unless the United States acts in conjunction with the global community to support focused, prolonged action on coral reef education, research, and management, the condition of our coral reefs will continue to degrade. Since its enactment in 2000, the Coral Reef Conservation Act has stimulated a greater commitment to protect, conserve, and restore coral reef resources within jurisdictional waters of the United States. As a result, we now have a much better grasp of the condition of our coral reefs, and more focused management capability than at any time in our history. The Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2016 expands emergency response mechanisms, establishes a new community-based planning grants program, promotes international cooperation, and recognizes the important contributions of the U.S. Department of the Interior in coral reef management and conservation efforts. 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. Since 1998, the Task Force has acted to facilitate and support better management and conservation of coral reef resources at the local level. Many beneficial efforts, such as the development and implementation of local action strategies to address threats to our reefs, are underway thanks to the work of the Task Force and its member agencies. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this legislation to enhance our capacity for the conservation and restoration of healthy and diverse coral reef ecosystems.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation that would authorize and establish an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, and direct revenue from the established system to fund CEP operations and staffing needs for ports of entry in Guam and the CNMI. The regional Guam-CNMI VWP recognizes Guam's unique location in Asia, and the need to be more competitive for tourists from other Asian nations. With Guam's primary source of economic revenue being tourism from Asia, my legislation would address several issues that have hampered the industry and that continues to cost CBP millions of dollars annually in processing costs. The majority of foreign arrivals at Guam International Airport are those traveling under the Guam-CNMI VWP, and long immigration lines are a recurring issue due to limited staffing capacity when arrivals peak at Guam International Airport. At their peak--sometimes 1,200 passengers arrive when multiple flights arrive nearly simultaneously--the wait times at immigration can be as long as two and a half hours. I recognize that there are complaints about long wait lines at other international ports of entries including Guam. However, many of our visitors come from Japan and South Korea. In fact, some Japan television shows and radio programs have mocked the long lines and wait times at Guam International Airport. The flight from Japan or South Korea is a little over 3 hours and, sadly, some of these visitors have waited about as long in line. That is unacceptable and runs counter to the President's goal of improving the arrivals process for international travelers arriving in the United States, as outlined in a memorandum to heads of executive departments and agencies on May 22, 2014. My legislation would work to address the problems that are occurring with long wait times at our respective port of entries. Tourism is critical to the economies of the region, and we cannot let an antiquated visitor entry system and inadequate staffing harm our economy. Establishing an ESTA specific to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program would help to address several issues faced by visitors arriving at Guam International Airport. First, the current process relies on a paper- based system which is cumbersome and only adds to the delays when arriving The bill would allow CBP to automate that process and, as a result, save an estimated $4 million annually that is used by CBP to process and file the paper forms. This is a common sense reform that will save the federal government money and improve the customer experience at Guam International Airport and ports of entry in the CNMI. Admittedly, CBP has the authority to create an ESTA system for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program; however, they do not have the authority to direct revenues collected from this automated process towards staffing at ports of entry in Guam and CNMI. As such, it is the consensus of tourism industry leaders and other stakeholders that there is an ultimate need for this legislation. I am informed that staffing has not increased in Guam since after the 9/11 attacks. The CBP staffing pattern was sufficient, but as the number of tourists grows on Guam the lines have also grown and the staffing has not kept up with demand. Making the visitor entry process into ports of entry in Guam and CNMI electronic is part of the solution, but additional staffing is still required especially since nearly 50% of our visitors are first- time visitors and cannot avail themselves of Automated Passport Control (APC) systems. Earlier this month, Guam once again hosted the Electric Island Festival (EIF), a two-day event which brings together DJs from the Asia-Pacific region. Nearly 4,000 visitors attended EIF last year. I am both proud and humbled at the innovative programming that brings people from all over the world to Guam. Further, in late May and early June Guam hosted the Festival of the Pacific Arts (FestPac) a once every four years major regional cultural event, and is the largest gathering in which Pacific peoples unite to enhance their respect and appreciation of one another. A significant number of visitors came to Guam to participate in FestPac, and I appreciate the commitment of Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske to ensure there was adequate staffing at Guam International Airport. But that additional staffing was accomplished by approving extra overtime for employees which is a costly endeavor. Events like FestPac and EIF show the maturation and growth of Guam's tourism industry. Improving the processes and capabilities of our ports of entry to ensure a pleasant experience for our visitors is a top priority, and the solutions must be long-standing and sustainable. We cannot simply rely on overtime of employees to meet the current and emerging demands at our main international port of entry. An ESTA for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program is an innovative, sustainable, common-sense, and cost-saving solution that would not only save the federal government millions and increase resources to improve CBP capabilities. More importantly, it would ultimately modernize and improve a Visa Waiver Program that continues to benefit the people of Guam and CNMI. My bill would help ensure that federal policy enhances economic opportunities and development in our region instead of being an impediment.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 1217, the bipartisan expanded background checks legislation, to honor the memory of Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, a victim of gun violence who never received a moment of silence on the House floor.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Dr. Thomas Shieh as he celebrates 20 years of service to the people of Guam. Dr. Shieh is the president and owner of Dr. Shieh's Clinic in Tamuning, Guam. Dr. Shieh's Clinic has served as one of Guam's leading clinics in women's services since 1999. Dr. Shieh came to Guam by way of the U.S. Navy as a Medical Officer. He served in the Naval Hospital Guam for four years, and as the Chief of Gynecology for the last two years. After completion of his active duty service and falling in love with the island community, Dr. Shieh decided to make Guam his permanent home and opened a practice of his own. Since serving as an OB/GYN on Guam, Dr. Shieh has delivered over 8,000 babies. He is often recognized for being one of Guam's most accessible doctors. He keeps a close relationship with his patients and families and is always a phone call away. Not only does he care for his patients, he seeks to educate each woman about their health and medical needs. As a physician-owned practice, Dr. Shieh's Clinic is patient driven and practices the philosophy, ``Patients First.'' He is a reliable consultant for thousands of patients and medical professionals on Guam and the Asia-Pacific Region. He has been able to maintain and grow his personal business for the past 16 years to build on his service from the Naval Hospital Guam and provide important services to the island. As a board certified physician and fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Shieh is one of the most experienced and desired ob-gyns on the island. He serves as the president of the Guam Medical Association, comprised of more than 300 physicians, nurses and medical professionals. As a part of the Guam Medical Association, Dr. Shieh lobbies for legislation and policy to better the health care for the people of Guam. He works to bring the latest technology in health care and ensures that medications are available to provide best services to patients. Dr. Shieh was responsible for establishing the first ever bone marrow donor registration drive for Guam and increasing Pacific Islanders in the national database by 80 percent. He has also organized medical missions to help with relief efforts after natural disasters in the region. Throughout his service on Guam, Dr. Shieh has always demonstrated a strong commitment to community involvement, volunteerism and philanthropy. Most notably, Dr. Shieh has established a scholar athlete scholarship fund to assist students pursue higher education. He also sponsors an annual volleyball tournament and organizes health fairs and outreach events in the community. Again, I congratulate Dr. Shieh, his wife Raven, daughters Tiffany and Beverly, and Dr. Shieh's Clinic on 20 years of service to the people of Guam. I join the people of Guam in commending them for their service and dedication, and thanking them for their many contributions to our island community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Fay Diana Garrido Carbullido on her retirement after 40 years of service as a Registered Nurse on Guam. Fay has diligently served our community in almost every arena of nursing, including numerous leadership positions with the Guam Department of Education, Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, Guam Memorial Hospital, and Naval Hospital Guam. Fay was born on January 9, 1953 to Facundo Diego Borja Garrido and Florencia Crisostomo Lizama Garrido of Agana Heights. She was drawn to the nursing profession by her father, who served in the U.S. Navy, and mother, who was a Navy trained nurse. As a teenager, Fay volunteered as a Candy Striper at the Guam Memorial Hospital. Upon her graduation from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam in 1971, Fay was awarded the Government of Guam's Professional Technical Scholarship to study nursing. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Seattle University in 1975. She began her career providing direct nursing care in community and teaching hospitals. She was employed at the University of California-- Davis Medical Center, where she worked to support her soon to be husband, Franklin Philip Carbullido, while he attended law school. Fay and Phil were married on August 2, 1976. She is the daughter-in-law of Francisco Chaco Carbullido and Maria Salas Castro Carbullido of Chalan Pago. They have four children: Brandon, Kristina, Adam, and Steven, and their family has been extended by Kristina's marriage to Charles Rapadas and their only grandson, Kellan Philip. When Philip graduated from law school in 1978, they returned home to Guam. She continued as a hospital nurse caring for patients in the Emergency Room and Critical Care Unit, Labor & Delivery, and Medical- Surgical wards at Guam Memorial Hospital. After the birth of her first child, Fay decided she needed to work regular hours. A majority of her career was as a school health counselor and school nurse for the Guam Department of Education, a position she held for nearly 18 years from 1979-1984, 1989-1995, and 1997-2003. She cared for thousands of students during her assignments at Finegayan Elementary, Carbullido Elementary, C.L. Taitano Elementary and Tamuning Elementary Schools. As a school nurse, Fay demonstrated a kind and gentle care for each student, at times having up to 30 students in her health room. Many who have grown still fondly refer to her as Nurse Fay. Between her assignments as a school nurse, Fay served in several leadership and administrative positions with GDOE and the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services. She was the School Health Program Coordinator of the entire education department from 1984-1989, where she oversaw the comprehensive School Health Program for all of Guam's public schools. Under her leadership, she championed having a school nurse in every public school and worked collaboratively with government agencies and private medical providers on issues affecting school-aged children. In 1995, she was recruited by a Northern California home care agency to establish Guam's first home care nursing service, which provided much needed services and care to elderly and homebound patients throughout Guam. From 1995-1997, Fay was appointed to several positions within DPHSS, including the Community Health Nurse Supervisor then Administrator of the Bureau of Family Health and Nursing Services. She was Maternal and Child Health Program Director, and Alternate Response Activity Coordinator during times of typhoons and the Korean Airlines Flight 801 crash. She provided expert advice to department directors and senior leadership within the Government of Guam, including the Governor of Guam, and worked with local leaders to expand public health programs and nursing services in Guam and the Pacific region. Fay retired from the Government of Guam in 2003 after 27 years of local government service when she was recruited by Naval Hospital Guam to be the Patient Safety Manager. She established and coordinated Naval Hospital's first Patient Safety Program that resulted in two successful accreditation surveys by The Joint Commission. In 2009 she transitioned to be the Breast Health Coordinator where she worked with medical staff, patients and their families to provide support and education to more than 300 women with breast health concerns. She is currently the Population Health Nurse who worked closely with medical providers and patients to bring Naval Hospital Guam to be among the Top 3 in Navy Medicine for several months. Throughout her life, Fay has been an active member of our community. She is a member of numerous professional associations, and spearheaded initiatives to raise awareness of health issues and disease prevention on Guam and the Pacific region. She worked with the Government of Guam and community partners to establish the Hemophilia Foundation of Guam, where she served as a founding member, vice chairwoman and board member. She has served as the chair of the Guam Board of Nurse Examiners, Guam Interagency Consortium for Individuals with Special Needs, and Pediatric Evaluation and Development Services, and she was Guam's Delegate to the National Association of School Nurses. She is also a former vice chair of the American Red Cross Guam Chapter, charter member of Soroptimist International of the Marianas, and member of the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association, among other organizations. Fay is also deeply involved in Guam's Catholic Church, as a member of the Christian Mothers, Legion of Mary Auxiliary, and Catholic Daughters of America. Fay has had an exceptional career and has made our island a better place. I join our community in commending her for her tireless work to advance health issues on the island. On behalf of the people of Guam and a grateful nation, I extend my deepest appreciation to Fay Carbullido for her 40 years of dedicated service to our island and our country. I congratulate her on her retirement and I wish her the best as she begins the next chapter of her life. Thank you (Si Yu'os Ma'ase), Fay.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chair, I am disappointed that two amendments I offered yesterday at the Rules Committee were not made in order for debate on H.R. 5278, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). These amendments, along with amendments offered by Rep. Kilili Sablan of the Northern Mariana Islands on the Earned Income Tax Credit and Rep. Amata Radewagen of American Samoa on the Child Tax Credit, would have addressed underlying issues that are experienced in all the territories and that contributed to Puerto Rico's debt crisis. We had a chance to address legacy policy issues that unduly put a significant financial strain on our local treasuries, yet we were denied an opportunity to more fully debate these issues and be afforded an up or down vote. My first amendment would have granted the government of Guam flexibility to extend Social Security to all new government hires. The Government of Guam's (GovGuam) current retirement plan will leave many without sufficient means when they retire. As you know, the pension shortfall in Puerto Rico was a key contributor to its current fiscal crisis and local leaders in Guam are working proactively to enact legislation to prevent a similar situation in Guam. Part of their efforts is contingent on enrolling employees in Social Security, and my amendment would give GovGuam flexibility to enroll new hires in Social Security as it works to address retirement shortfalls for its current workforce. The Social Security Actuaries and the CBO have indicated that the amendment would have a net positive increase on federal revenues. I offered a practical, common sense solution that is supported by many on Guam. It was a proactive attempt to provide GovGuam with the tools it needs to address this systemic issue. My second amendment would have granted equitable treatment to the U.S. territories in carrying out the Medicaid program. The amendment would have eliminated the Medicaid caps on the territories and provide parity with the federal medical assistance percentage in force in the territories. The inequitable treatment of the territories in Medicaid has caused significant financial strain on our local governments and has forced us to contribute a disproportionate share of local dollars when compared to the 50 states and DC. This was a bipartisan amendment supported by all representatives of the territories, and it would have put our constituents, who are all Americans, on equal footing with those who reside in the States. The cost of providing health care in our jurisdictions, particularly on Guam, inhibits our economies from truly developing. Further, this amendment was modeled off a request contained in President Obama's Fiscal Year 2017 budget request which would have eliminated the caps and put the territories on a path to improving their FMAP. This budget proposal is a critical component of solving the crisis we see in Puerto Rico yet we have been denied a chance to address this matter on the floor. We have an opportunity to address this inequity, and I feel it is critical that we act with purpose on this matter. I also want to underscore my disappointment that amendments submitted by my colleagues, Mr. Sablan and Ms. Radewagen were also not made in order. We firmly believe that Puerto Rico's debt crisis cannot be resolved through debt restructuring alone. This debt crisis was caused by underlying issues which have been impacted by the unequal treatment of the territories in certain federal programs. Again, like with Medicaid, addressing these issues for Puerto Rico and the other territories would help lift a burden and allow our local governments to focus more on economic development and improving infrastructure to support those new economies. Together our amendments addressed disparities in Medicaid and the application of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, and would have fixed critical issues that contributed to Puerto Rico's debt crisis. We offered these amendments because while Guam's and the other territories' fiscal situations are nowhere near the crisis in Puerto Rico, we had an opportunity to be proactive and eliminate federal policies and programs that are not treating the territories with equity. Put more simply, we could have been proactive in addressing federal law to ensure our other territories are put in a better shape financially. We simply do not believe that extending the authorities proposed in PROMESA without addressing continued systemic challenges will resolve Puerto Rico's problems, nor will it provide a more secure financial footing in all the territories. I recognize the political challenges that have been undertaken to get this bill to the point that we are at right now. However, we need to find the political will to address the systemic challenges now, before they become crises later. We are doing all we can to be proactive so that what is happening to Puerto Rico does not happen to the rest of us. I hope this Congress will address these issues so that we can bring parity to the millions of Americans living in the territories and enable the territories' local governments to focus on programs that will enhance their economies.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republic of Philippines on the 118th Anniversary of its independence. I also join the people of Guam and the Filipino Community of Guam in declaring the month of June as Philippine Month in Guam. On May 1, 1898, the Battle of Manila Bay signaled the United States' entry into the war with Spain that the Philippines had been fighting for since 1896. On June 12, 1898 the Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from Spanish colonial rule. Filipinos are very proud of these leaders who had the dream of an independent and free country. This act of determining their political future remains a much celebrated event 118 years later, especially by Filipinos who call the United States and Guam home. Since earning their independence, the Philippine people have suffered through years of dictatorship, martial law, and Japanese occupation. We on Guam are particularly sympathetic to this last event, having ourselves been taken over by the Japanese. Today, the Philippines is an important ally of the United States in Southeast Asia. President Aquino has taken positive steps to combat terrorism in the Philippines, and his government continues to be cooperative with our own efforts in the region. In addition, the friendship of the Filipino people has forged a bond between our two nations that has grown stronger over time. Filipino-Americans have contributed immensely to our nation. In my home district of Guam, Filipino-Americans represent over one-third of the general population. They play a key role in the economic, social, and political fabric of our island and the nation as a whole. Guam and the Philippines share linguistic, social, and cultural roots which have made Filipinos on Guam able to be active in celebrating their culture in harmony with the local community. Many Filipinos and members of the Filipino Community of Guam have contributed their time, talents and expertise by serving as medical, educational, and government professionals and religious leaders, among others, to improve the quality of life on Guam. The Filipino Community of Guam has also been passionately dedicated to helping those in need by supporting numerous charitable non-profit organizations on our island and they have organized fundraising drives for disaster victims in the Micronesia region and the Philippines. Our two nations and indeed our people are intimately linked to one another. On behalf of the people of Guam, I congratulate the Philippines and the Filipino Community of Guam on the 118th anniversary of independence of the Philippines and look forward to the continued service and contributions of the Filipino Community of Guam.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment to H.R. 4909, the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act offered by Mr. Calvert. This amendment requires the Department of Defense to report on the structure and size of its civilian and contractor workforce. This reporting requirement is a continuation of misguided assaults on the federal workforce which delivers capabilities needed to build back readiness and support operations. Furthermore, it adds an unneeded layer of bureaucracy with redundant reporting requirements. The information called for in this provision is already provided in eight separate statutes and this additional burden is unjustifiable. Not only is the report duplicative and unnecessary, the ``findings'' section is littered with misinformation and subjective clauses. It is yet another transparent attempt to attack civilian and contracted personnel, who have borne a disproportionate share of the fiscal burden levied on the Department of Defense. The first ``finding'' states in no uncertain terms that the civilian workforce has reduced the Department's capabilities, a statement that is maliciously inaccurate. Civilian personnel provide a cost-effective workforce and contribute unique capabilities to our national security at home and abroad, particularly in key areas such as intelligence and cyber operations. For these reasons I am strongly opposed, as is the Department of Defense, to the inclusion of the reporting requirement and hope to work with my colleagues in conference to address this biased and unnecessarily punitive amendment.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chair, I appreciate this amendment being made in order. It is time that we bring resolution to the people of Guam and all U.S. citizens who have suffered under enemy occupation during World War II. We found an offset to address its costs, which was one of the problems. I look forward to adopting this amendment and working with the Senate during conference. Again, I thank very much Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith and Chairman Bishop for their support of this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I commend Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Smith, and the committee staff who have worked many, many long nights on the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act. I worked with Mr. Smith and members on the committee, particularly the Readiness chairman, Mr. Rob Wittman, to include a number of provisions that will improve our military readiness and continue to support the Asia-Pacific rebalance, allowing crucial infrastructure projects to move forward and requiring the Navy to report on land usage on Guam that will have positive impacts for our posture in this region. The bill provides critical funding to the Long Range Strike Bomber program as well as adds additional funding to keep the fielding of the MQ-4 program on track. I especially want to thank Ranking Member Smith for working to get a provision mandating a review of distinguished Asian American and Pacific Islander veterans who may have been unjustly overlooked in the Medal of Honor consideration included in the chairman's mark. It is important that we appropriately recognize the contributions of our brave men and women in uniform. While I am proud of these and other provisions, this bill is far from perfect. There are, once again, numerous damaging environmental provisions; and, more broadly, I am disappointed that the majority has again created a bill that circumvents budget caps, a maneuver that plays politics with our servicemembers in the field--particularly reckless in this environment. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address these and other concerns, and I hope common sense will prevail as this process continues.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate nurses and school nurse support staff of the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) in honor of the 2016 National School Nurses Day. There are currently 44 Registered Nurses and 3 Licensed Practical Nurses serving the students of the Guam Department of Education. These nurses take on the daunting task of caring for the Guam Department of Education's more than 30,000 students and nearly 4,000 employees of the Guam Department of Education. These school nurses work day in and day out to remove the barriers to learning and ensure the health of our island's children. Guam Department of Education nurses join the National Association of School Nurses in celebrating the theme of this year's School Nurses Day: Better Health; Better Learning. They also join the American Nurses Association in celebrating the 2016 Nurses Week: Culture of Safety; It Starts With You! GDOE nurses have chosen to celebrate National School Nurses Day by teaching students how to conduct hands only CPR. Every year the GDOE nurses serve a critical role in providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students throughout Guam's public elementary, middle, and high schools. GDOE nurses provide frontline, critical care for the most fragile children in our community and are members of health teams that support both educational and response initiatives dedicated to improving public health. Additionally, school nurses are liaisons to the school administrators, parents and healthcare providers when it comes to attending to the physical health of our island's students. Every school year is different and challenging for the GDOE nurses. In April, the school nurses received a call from the Department of Public Health and Social Services asking them to administer 5,000 doses of TB skin test solution to GDOE students and staff who need updates. The school nurses embraced the challenge and were able to host TB clinics in almost every GDOE school for students and staff. Despite these challenges, our island's school nurses have responded to these needs with professionalism and passion for the school communities they serve. I commend and congratulate nurses and school nurse support staff of the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) as they celebrate the 2016 National School Nurses Day and on a successful school year. I join the people of Guam in expressing our appreciation for their contributions to Guam's school communities.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Segundo ``Sy'' Unpingco. Sy was a son of Guam, strong promoter of Chamorro culture, and a survivor of the occupation of Guam during World War II. He passed away on November 26, 2015 at the age of 81. Sy was born on Guam on May 21, 1934 to Jose Rivera Unpingco and Vicenta Aguon Unpingco. He was just seven years old when enemy forces invaded Guam during World War II. Like many Chamorros on Guam, Sy and his family endured the atrocities committed against the Chamorro people during the occupation. However following the war, Sy attended George Washington High School in Mangilao, Guam. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Administration degree from St. Mary's College and a Juris Doctorate from Lincoln Law School. While in high school Sy met his beloved wife, Remedios ``Remmy'' Pangelinan and they were married in 1953. Together they had three children, Segundo, Jr., Vivian, and Paul. They made their home in San Jose, California, and throughout his career, Sy worked with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department and as a Courtroom Bailiff until his retirement. Following his retirement, Sy partnered with the late Marcial Sablan and Tony Chargualaf to form the Hafa Adai Golf Classic. Throughout its 35 year history, the Hafa Adai Golf Classic has brought together golfers, nine hosting clubs from California, Washington, and Nevada, sponsors, donors, supporters, families and friends together for a two day tournament. It has attracted approximately 17,000 semi-professionals and amateur golfers and their families from across the U.S. mainland, Hawaii, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Japan. Under Sy's leadership, the Hafa Adai Golf Classic promoted our Chamorro culture, and extended Guam's Inafa'maolek spirit to all who participated in the event. Sy was a shining example of that island spirit of cooperation, camaraderie and reciprocity of our culture and heritage, but he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the years to come. I join the people of Guam in mourning the passing of Sy Unpingco and commending him for his service to our island and contributions to our people and Chamorro culture. I extend my condolences to his wife, Remmy, children, grandchildren, family and friends. He will be missed but his memory will always be remembered by the countless people he touched throughout the years.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Jessica M. Barrett on her selection as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2016 Women in Business Champion for Guam. This award honors an individual on Guam who, as an advocate for women entrepreneurs, has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women's business ownership. Jessica is the President of Barrett Enterprise, Inc., a local family-owned business started in 1972 by her parents Jack and Maxine Barrett that provides basic plumbing and water infrastructure services to residential, commercial, and government clients on Guam. Originally an operation of two employees providing only plumbing services, today, Barrett Plumbing has grown to a workforce of 19 full-time and locally hired employees, including five women, providing plumbing services, as well as maintenance and installation of new construction of water and wastewater lines infrastructure. Under Jessica's leadership, Barrett Plumbing expanded its operations and achieved federal HUBZone certification. The company also partners with the Guam Department of Labor to provide an apprenticeship program to train new practitioners on Guam. Jessica is also deeply involved with several community organizations on Guam. She is a founding member and current president of the Guam Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). In this capacity, Jessica has worked to provide guidance and counsel to local organizations and businesses about promoting and advancing the role of women in the construction industry. She has also supported local organizations such as the Guam Animals in Need (GAIN), Santa Teresita Catholic Church, and Catholic Social Services. Further, in 2014, the Guam Women's Chamber of Commerce recognized Jessica as Guam's first Chamorro woman plumber. I join the people of Guam in congratulating Jessica Barrett on her selection as the SBA's 2016 Women in Business Champion for Guam. I commend her for her many contributions to our island and community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Jennifer B. Sanchez on her selection as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2016 Financial Services Champion for Guam. Jennifer is being honored for her work in assisting small business owners through advocacy efforts to increase the usefulness and availability of accounting or financial services for small businesses. Jennifer is the Vice President and Central South Regional Manager for the Bank of Guam, the largest financial institution on Guam, serving individual clients, small businesses, middle-market and large corporations, and government entities. She is responsible for overseeing six Bank of Guam branches with 78 employees serving approximately 44,000 customers on Guam. She began her career with the Bank of Guam in 2003 when she joined the bank's management training program, and since then she has held several management roles, including an operations manager, customer service manager, assistant branch manager, and the Hagatna branch manager. Throughout her career, Jennifer has worked to help local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses through access to capital and advocacy for economic development. Jennifer is also an active member of our community. She is a founding member and current president of the Pacific Islands Microcredit Institute, which provides training and counseling to local entrepreneurs to gain access to capital and improve financial management. In this role, she is personally engaged with clients and helps build their networks to give them a better chance of success. She is also a member of the Guam Women's Chamber of Commerce, the Society of Human Resource Management, and the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration Advisory Council and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. I join the people of Guam in congratulating Jennifer Sanchez on her selection as the SBA's 2016 Financial Services Champion for Guam. I commend her for her many contributions to our island and community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Myracle Mugol on her selection as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2016 Home-Based Business Champion of the Year Award for Guam. This award honors individuals who have experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a home-based business and have worked voluntarily to improve the climate for other home-based businesses. Myracle is the Managing Partner of Kahmeleon, a local graphics design, photography, and audio-visual production services company on Guam. She is also a Partner for Three Moon Productions, which partners with local artists by collaborating and providing opportunities to showcase talents throughout our island. These companies have worked with numerous artists and performers to promote their work and expand their outreach to our community. Through her work with Kahmeleon, Myracle has actively worked to promote programs that teach Chamorro language and culture, including developing a web series ``Siha'' and partnering with the Guam Department of Education and Twiddle Productions to produce an animated documentary, ``Maisa: The Chamorro Girl that Saved Guahan.'' Myracle is also an active member of our community. She has worked on numerous projects to promote the arts on Guam, including the Guam International Film Festival and the GAX Exhibit at the Agana Shopping Center. She is also a volunteer with Island Girl Power and adopted a soon-to-be-completed media room with the organization. I join the people of Guam in congratulating Myracle Mugol on her selection as the SBA's 2016 Home-Based Business Champion for Guam. I commend her for her many contributions to our island and community.