Madeleine Bordallo

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 409, Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. This resolution honors His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, his accomplishments toward social justice, growth with equity, human security, democratic governance, and sustainability for his county and people, and the special relationship between the United States and Thailand. King Adulyadej led Thailand as it adopted a democratic form of government. This is an important accomplishment and one that is greatly valued by the United States. Thailand's commitment to strengthening its democracy is representative of the shared values between the people of our two countries. Also, Thailand's commitment to fighting terrorism in Asia and its cooperation in the Global War on Terror is further representative of the strong relationship between our governments. Further I commend King Adulyadej's dedication to social justice and human rights. That the United Nations is awarding him the Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award is representative of his leadership on these issues. The people of Guam join in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. We look forward to continued prosperity for both his Majesty and the people of Thailand. And it is my sincerest hope that the special relationship shared by our countries will grow stronger in the years to come.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 828, Recognizing the 800th Anniversary of Mongolian statehood. Mongolia has a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law. I join the people of Mongolia in celebrating their 800th anniversary of statehood. Mongolia has a rich, storied ancient history. Its modern accomplishments contribute to that history and serve as an inspiration to all countries that struggle to adopt a democratic system of government. The friendship shared by Mongolia and the United States has grown stronger as a result of Mongolia's strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law at home and internationally. As this resolution notes, since 1990, five parliamentary and four presidential elections have been held in Mongolia, all without violence or disruption. This is a strong indicator that when the will of a nation's people is joined by the will of their government, there becomes a great capacity to achieve good. Mongolian efforts to develop a free market society and a political democracy serve as an example of responsible government and progress for other developing democracies in the world today. The settlement of an $11 billion debt to Russia in 2004 lifted a heavy burden from Mongolia and has been instrumental in allowing Mongolia to explore new outlets for economic development. There are currently over 30,000 private businesses in or around Mongolia's capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Petroleum, coal, and copper industries continue to be an economic mainstay for the people of Mongolia. Mongolia is a valued security partner with the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Mongolia's steadfast commitment and valued contributions to Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, NATO missions in Kosovo and Sierra Leone, and its broader contribution to the Global War on Terror are evidence of its leadership on international security matters. Mongolia continues to build upon its solid foundation for a democratic, prosperous and secure future for its people. I congratulate them on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood and on their continued political and economic development. Through passage of this resolution we express our confidence in them and our appreciation for the strong partnership enjoyed between the American and Mongolian peoples.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) to strengthen the Resident Instruction Grants Program for the land-grant institutions in the U.S. territories. This amendment, which is also supported by the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. Fortuno) and the gentlelady from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen), would increase the amount provided under this bill for this important Program by $200,000 for a total of $700,000. This Program is a competitively-awarded grants program administered by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, CSREES, of the United States Department of Agriculture. This Program is authorized by Section 7503 of the Farm Security Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171), and has been funded for the past two consecutive fiscal years. Resident Instruction Grants promote and develop teaching and education programs within the food and agricultural sciences, and related disciplines, at the landgrant institutions in the U.S. territories. This Program helps these institutions meet unique challenges by strengthening their institutional educational capacities in instruction and curriculum, and by enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. These unique challenges have been documented by CSREES and previously acknowledged by the Committee on Appropriations. CSREES has awarded two grants this past year with the initial level of funding provided for this program. The land-grant institutions in the territories formed a consortium with the University of Guam as the lead institution for the first year. These eight institutions are working together to increase the quality of their academic programs in the food and agricultural sciences. The consortium is using the first ever awarded Resident Instruction Grant to enhance courses of study and curricula, to explore alternative methods of delivering instruction, and to increase enrollment and retention in their degree programs. Each of these three objectives is being pursued through the development of coordinated and comprehensive five-to-ten year strategic plan. We believe that each member institution will be able to implement this strategic plan with funding awarded through future Resident Instruction Grants. We also believe that partnerships between faculties at institutions in the territories and on the mainland can be eventually forged as a result of continued and increased funding for this program. Such partnerships will allow for a more efficient use of existing educational funds by the institutions in the territories. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), the Chairman of the Subcommittee, and the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), for recognizing the unique needs of the land-grant institutions in the U.S. territories and for their support of the Resident Instruction Grants Program. We ask for their support of this amendment and for their support for funding this Program at the highest level possible in conference with the other body.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5122, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007. As my colleagues have stated, this bill includes so many provisions important to our national security and to the fighting men and women who serve our great nation in uniform. Many of them are deployed in combat zones around the world today. I have visited servicemembers in Iraq seven times now and my commitment, like the commitment of this Congress, remains to do everything necessary to provide the heroes sacrificing for our country with the resources they need to fight, to win, and to survive. We continue our important commitment to their quality of life including to their families with this bill. I take this opportunity to thank Chairman Hunter and Ranking Member Skelton for the work that they and their staff members have done to include within this bill provisions important to the people of Guam and to servicemembers who serve on Guam. For many years leaders on Guam have worked to grow the capability and capacity of the Guam Shipyard, an asset recognized to be of ``vital strategic importance'' to the Pacific Fleet. We learned over the past year that twice as many vessels in support of our Navy are repaired in foreign shipyards in the Pacific, particularly in Singapore, than are repaired in Guam. We also learned that Apra Harbor in Guam is treated as a foreign harbor although Guam and its shipyard are properly treated as a U.S. location. This bill includes important language to remedy these conflicts. I am deeply grateful to members of the committee staff who traveled to Guam and Hawaii in January of this year to review this issue. I am also grateful to the many members of this committee who have visited Guam, including our colleague from Maryland, Roscoe Bartlett, and our colleague from Mississippi, Gene Taylor. Both Members visited the Guam Shipyard in March of this year and learned first-hand of the value the facility offers to the U.S. Navy. In rewriting Section 7310 of Title 10, the Committee on Armed Services has made clear that Guam, including Apra Harbor, is fully and properly a U.S. location, and has further made clear that foreign ship repair for reasons of cost alone is unacceptable, particularly when shipyards like the Guam Shipyard are underutilized. Our first commitment must be to sustaining and growing the ship repair industry in America even if such endeavor costs slightly more money. We cannot depend on foreign yards or harbors in time of war for safety, security, reliability and availability. We must therefore remain committed to America's ship repair industry by ensuring stable work, and by extension, the stability of skilled workforce that is the backbone of the ship repair industry. On Guam this is especially true given that the Guam Shipyard represents a particularly important asset because of its strategic forward location. This bill makes a commitment to the Guam Shipyard and its skilled workers whom the people of Guam are so proud. This is a reflection of the great value these workers offer to the Pacific Fleet and to our national security. It is also a reflection of this Congress' unwillingness to outsource our national security. Finally, the language in this bill regarding ship repair is a reflection of the recently released Quadrennial Defense Review which indicates the growing strategic importance of the Pacific with increased Naval activity in the Pacific and therefore the likelihood of increased demands on facilities like the Guam Shipyard. Mr. Chairman, I would also like to note that this bill requires a comprehensive study on the future of the Guam Shipyard. It is important that the Navy fully evaluate, during this time of change, how best to utilize, manage and grow the asset that is the Guam Shipyard. The report required by this bill is a responsible measure that ensures that the future of the Guam Shipyard is coordinated with the future of our Navy's national security needs in the Pacific. Also included within this bill is an important provision that makes a commitment to our active duty servicemembers and their families. I worked closely with the committee and with military advocacy groups to secure inclusion of a measure to authorize servicemembers assigned to non-foreign areas outside the continental United States, areas that include Guam and Alaska, to ship a second personally owned vehicle to and from these locations upon assignment. This measure has long been sought by our active duty servicemembers. In an era when we say that we retain the family not just the servicemember, we have now passed a provision focused on the family. With military spouses pursuing their own careers and families venturing off bases for community activities, school commitments, and so much more, one car families are simply impractical--they are a thing of the past. Servicemembers assigned to non-foreign overseas areas, unlike their CONUS counterparts, are permitted to bring only one vehicle with them to their new duty station at DOD expense. This created a situation in which many servicemembers had to hastily sell a car prior to reassignment, usually at a loss, only to buy a new car on arrival at their new duty location, again at a loss. This activity as repeated upon assignment back to a CONUS location. This practice placed an unacceptable burden on military families. I am pleased that this Congress has made a commitment to end this inequity. I know this provision is broadly supported by active duty servicemembers and further has the support of The Military Coalition. I hope that this provision will be accepted in conference and remain in the final bill. Mr. Chairman, a third provision in this bill is important to Guam and to a recently reached agreement between the United States and Japan. This bill repeals a measure added in law some years ago to prohibit the hiring of foreign labor to work on military construction projects on Guam. Next year $209 million in military construction projects are authorized by this bill to take place on Guam. Over the next ten years $10.3 billion in military construction will be undertaken on Guam. The concern is now whether Guam can deliver the workforce necessary to accomplish these goals on this short timeline, not whether Guam's workforce is being supplanted or bypassed by foreign labor. Therefore, this authorization bill offers the opportunity to repeal this restrictive provision. Its inclusion will ensure contractors on Guam will be able to access the labor market needed for them to compete for and complete government contracts for military construction in the future. Additionally, without the ability to meet the upcoming workforce demands, there is some concern that agreements recently made with the Government of Japan for relocating Marines from Okinawa to Guam on a set timeline would not be able to be realized according to the envisioned, desired, and agreed upon schedule. Ensuring the availability of a workforce necessary to accomplish the construction required for Marines to move to Guam from Okinawa is an important part of meeting both the workforce demand on Guam and United States international commitments. I have also worked to provide relief to military retirees residing on Guam whom have been disadvantaged by a Department of Defense interpretation of standing law. Retirees on Guam are only able to participate in TRICARE Standard due to the unavailability of TRICARE Prime on Guam. Retirees on Guam were previously reimbursed for travel they were required to make to Hawaii or elsewhere for specialty medical care otherwise available on Guam. Now, in light of a change in policy some 16 months ago and unfavorable DOD interpretation of TRICARE laws, when a retiree is referred by their TRICARE health provider off-island to receive specialty care that is unavailable on Guam a retiree must pay ``out of pocket'' for their travel expenses. Travel from Guam to Hawaii is costly and this creates a large and unfair burden on Guam's retirees. Additionally, this situation results in inequitable treatment for the veteran communities on Guam. A retiree, having served at least 20 years in the military, cannot receive reimbursement for travel necessary to receive medical care available only off of Guam. However, a veteran receiving care from the Department of Veterans Affairs referred for off-island care is reimbursed for his or her travel expenses. I have raised this issue with the Department of Defense several times and continue to work with DOD for an equitable solution. Retirees on Guam deserve some relief. While this bill contains provisions important to the TRICARE system for members of the military community, it does not specifically address the outstanding issue for retirees on Guam. I will continue to work to resolve this issue. I filed an amendment to this bill with the Committee on Rules that would have provided some relief to retirees. This amendment was unfortunately not made in order and cannot be considered on the floor today. This amendment sought to provide an interim solution. It proposed to give retirees the ability to travel on military aircraft on a space available basis to and from the location of their referred healthcare at an increased priority level. Retirees are currently in the lowest priority category for space available travel. I will continue to work with the Department of Defense on this issue. Finally, the island of Guam has a robust military recruiting program and many Chamorros and Guam residents join the Armed Services. In fact, Guam has a higher per capita service rate in the Guard and Reserve than any other U.S. location. However, for quite some time, these men and women have had to travel to Hawaii to process their enlistments at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). Included in this bill is language requiring the USMEPCOM to study the feasibility of establishing a MEPS station on Guam. The burden of processing each recruit through Hawaii significantly extends the time period for processing a recruit and adds additional cost for travel expenses. It is my hope that this review will lead to the re-establishment of a MEPS station on Guam responsive to Guam's Guard and Reserve and to U.S. active duty recruiters. I believe this would also reduce costs of processing a recruit and expedite enlistment. I was pleased to work with the committee leadership to amend a current requirement in this legislation in such a way to require the Department of Defense to more closely evaluate the transformation it is undertaking of the National Guard and Reserve. It is important that the Department of Defense study closely how it will execute and fund Guard and Reserve transformation, including evaluating budgeting of the costs for equipment repair, transfer and procurement as well as an evaluation of the timeline the transformation will prove achievable. I have long advocated for full parity between active duty and Guard and Reserve forces. Transformation is an aggressive plan to achieve this parity although with significant reorganization of brigades and units within the reserve elements. The task, the cost and the risks must be fully evaluated to ensure transformation is achieved and that it is done in a way that makes our Guard and Reserve forces, who have shouldered so much of the burden in the war on terror, a better force. This transformation promise cannot be yet another in a long line of unfulfilled promises by the active duty components to their reserve counterparts. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I urge adoption of H.R. 5122.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to recognize the role that Asian and Pacific Islander Americans play in our nation. I want to thank Mr. Honda, the Chairman, and Mr. Faleomavaega, the Vice Chairman, of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for their commitment to and leadership of the Caucus and their efforts on behalf of our communities. Asian Pacific Islanders are leaders in academia, in the arts, in all levels of government and the military, and in the private sector. They contribute to all aspects of American life and, in doing so they enrich the lives of Americans and make this country stronger. This month is set aside to honor their successes and contributions. As we celebrate Asian Pacific Islander traditions this month, we must remember those pioneers who forged the path on which we walk today. Their work, their sacrifices, and the impacts they made on America provided the foundation of understanding of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, traditions, and heritage, all of which have opened doors for current and future generations. True to this record, Asian Pacific Islander American achievements today will inspire and support future generations of Asian Pacific Islanders to excel tomorrow. This year's theme is ``Dreams and Challenges of Asian Pacific Americans.'' It is through these strong dreams that the Asian Pacific Islander community has progressed. As we come together to celebrate another Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I am reminded of the many contributions and successes of our community. The importance of our community has been recognized by the White House. On May 13, 2004, President Bush signed Executive Order 13339, which created the President's Advisory Commission on the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This was a significant step in voicing the special needs of the APA community through the Executive branch of government. One of Guam's very own was chosen to serve on this Commission. Martha Cruz Ruth is one of fourteen APAs appointed by the President to serve on the President's Advisory Commission for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Commission was chosen based on their history of involvement with the APA community and for their expertise in a specific field. Mrs. Cruz's specialties range from media affairs and marketing to local politics, having served a term in Guam's Legislature in 1987, and she brings a unique voice to this Commission. Asian Pacific Americans have demonstrated a long and distinguished history of service to this country. Many have served in our armed forces. On Guam, our men and women volunteer for military service at higher rates per capita than any state in the union. We owe each and every one of these servicemen and women a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Through hard work and dedication, Asian-Pacific Americans have risen through the ranks to the top levels of military leadership. General Eric K. Shinseki, holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking APA in the U.S. Army. Major General Antonio Taguba, who served as the chief investigator during the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, is only the second Filipino American to rise to the position of General in the U.S. Army. Brigadier General Vicente Tomas (Ben) Blaz, of Guam, had a distinguished career with the U.S. Marine Corps, and he made our island proud when he was promoted to Brigadier General in 1977. In 1984, after retiring from the Marines, General Blaz came here to our nation's capital to serve as Guam's Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives and served in that capacity for eight years. Among those who have served in the military, I especially want to remember those who have given their lives to protect our freedom, including those who lost their lives in the Global War on Terrorism. Specialist Christopher Jude Rivera Wesley, Lieutenant Michael Aguon Vega, Specialist Jonathan Pangelinan Santos, Specialist Richard DeGracia Naputi, Jr., and Specialist Kasper Alan Camacho Dudkiewicz are five of Guam's sons who were killed in Iraq. In addition, the Micronesian region has lost six of its own sons. Though their deaths sadden us, their courage reminds us that freedom is never free. The Asian Pacific American communities have embraced America as our home and have thrived through the limitless opportunities this country has to offer. Today, as we go forward celebrating ``Dreams and Challenges of Asian Pacific Americans,'' let us celebrate the unique histories and stories of our people. This year the people of Guam will commemorate the 62nd anniversary of our liberation from enemy occupation by U.S. armed forces during World War II. As the only American territory with a civilian population occupied by the enemy during World War II, the people of Guam risked their lives to protect American servicemen from capture and endured great hardships and suffering. I want to recognize the people of Guam for their steadfast loyalty during these trying times. Guam continues to play an important role in our nation's relations with Asian countries. Recently, Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced the re-location of marines from Okinawa to Guam as part of a major realignment of forces in Japan. With the impending arrival of 8,000 Marines from Okinawa, our island is planning for a period of tremendous growth. We look forward to making a significant contribution to peace and security in the western Pacific and Asia, and we hope that the realignment of forces will strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor the contributions of all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Let us ensure that their stories are known to the younger generation. Let us celebrate the beauty of our cultures and the richness of our heritage. And let us celebrate how we help make America the great country it is. Dangkulo na Si Yu'os Ma'ase.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Black Construction Corporation of Guam on the occasion of it being awarded the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence in the construction category by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Named for the president under whom the SBA was founded, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence honors large federal contractors nationwide with the most outstanding small business subcontracting programs. Each year, the SBA awards those businesses and federal agencies that have excelled in various aspects of federal procurement. To be eligible for consideration for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence a company must first be the recipient of the SBA Award of Distinction. The SBA has twice honored Black Construction Corporation for its record of support for small business on Guam and throughout Micronesia, following a nationwide review of construction companies that are awarded federal contracts. It is my hope that companies that are prime contractors for federal construction projects heed the example set by Black Construction Corporation and will continue to subcontract with local small businesses. The vast majority of American companies are small businesses. They are the largest creator of private sector jobs. American small businesses have also established a strong record of innovation and are routinely implementing cutting edge technologies. Furthermore, the success of local economies is dependant upon the strength of small businesses. As local small businesses grow stronger, so do the communities in which they serve. Black Construction Corporation fulfills an essential role in that process on Guam and throughout Micronesia by utilizing small businesses to complete federal construction projects.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of a dedicated public servant and a true daughter of Guam, Senator Lou Leon Guerrero. The daughter of the late Jesus Sablan and Eugenia Aflague Leon Guerrero, Lou was born and raised on Guam along with her brothers Jesse and Tony Leon Guerrero. She graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam High School and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the California State University at Los Angeles in 1973. Lou began her career as a healthcare professional, working as a staff nurse at the Santa Monica Hospital. She was also attending graduate courses at UCLA, at this time. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Public Health in 1979. Lou returned home to work at the Guam Memorial Hospital in 1980. She quickly rose through the ranks of Guam Memorial Hospital, serving as the hospital's Assistant Director of Nursing 1982 to 1983. Lou then worked for next 10 years at the Family Health Plan (FHP), a private health clinic on Guam. Lou became the FHP's Director of Operations in 1990. She served in that capacity until she entered politics in 1994. Lou is a four-term senator in the Guam Legislature. She has served in a number of leadership roles during her 8 years in the Legislature. Lou became the Chairwoman of the Committee on Rules and Health in 2003. She was also a candidate for Lieutenant Governor during the 1998 election cycle. Lou's career as a nurse laid the foundation for her commitment to serving Guam and the public. Lou's caring nature, her humanity, and her commitment to improving not only the quality of the healthcare available on this island, but the island as a whole was clear to see to those who worked closely with her over the years. It is my hope that her legacy of professionalism, service to the island, and community leadership will serve as a lasting inspiration for her family, friends, and associates as she leaves the Legislature for a new chapter in her professional life. Lou forges an exciting a new path for herself and her family as she transitions to the position of President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Guam. Her brother Tony also served in this capacity. Her father Jesus founded the bank. Her service at the Bank of Guam is continuing the family tradition. I have had the honor and privilege to work very closely with Lou over the years. She is both a colleague and a friend. I admire her tenacity, her love for the island of Guam and its people, and her commitment to do what she believes is best for them. Her determination to improve the lives of residents of Guam, her commitment to forming good public policy, and her persistence in seeing the needed carried out is commendable. Her presence in the Legislature will be greatly missed. On behalf of a grateful island, I join her husband, Attorney Jeff Cook, her children Joaquin and Mariana, and all the people of Guam, in extending Senator Lou Leon Guerrero my most heartfelt appreciation for all the good work she has done for Guam. Additionally, I wish her success and prosperity in her new leadership roles at the Bank of Guam.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 320 which calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Pham Hong Son and other political prisoners in Vietnam. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has been holding prisoners because of their exercise of basic human rights including freedom of speech, religion, movement, and association. Dr. Pham Hong Son was indicted and imprisoned for translating an article on the Web site of the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam entitled ``What is Democracy?'' and circulating the article among friends and senior party officials. He was subsequently sentenced to 13 years imprisonment and 3 years of house arrest on espionage charges after a half-day closed trial that deprived him of due process. The Vietnamese Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), of which Vietnam is a state party, both protect the rights to freedom of opinion and speech. The government of Vietnam should uphold their obligations under the ICCPR and honor other internationally recognized standards for basic freedoms and human rights before their accession into the World Trade Organization. The fall of the Republic of Vietnam displaced approximately three million Vietnamese. My late husband Ricardo J. Bordallo was Governor of Guam at the time of Operation New Life. I vividly remember how the Guam community came together in solidarity with the Vietnamese people and worked hard to help comfort these brave individuals who had left all their worldly possessions behind in the name of freedom. The people of Guam empathized with the Vietnamese refugees, and we opened our hearts as well as our island to them. One of my assignments as First Lady was to organize the care for the hundreds of orphan babies that arrived in Operation Baby Lift. This was a moving experience that has remained one of my fondest memories of my husband's first term as Governor of Guam. Of the 150,000 Vietnamese who arrived on Guam in April 1975, many decided to return to Vietnam to help rebuild their motherland. Unfortunately, those who remained in Vietnam now face a Socialist government that denies them basic human rights of freedom of speech, religion, movement, and association. They deserve the right to a fair trial and due process. Today, Congress calls on Vietnamese authorities to end all forms of repression against small religious sects and for the release of all Vietnamese political prisoners who have legitimately and peacefully exercised their rights. I urge passage of H. Con. Res. 320.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 556. This resolution supports the establishment of a National Methamphetamine Prevention Week to increase public awareness throughout the country of the harmful effects of methamphetamine and to educate local communities on ways to effectively prevent and curb methamphetamine use. The production, trafficking, and use of methamphetamine are growing and significant substance abuse and public health issues for the United States. Methamphetamine has emerged in recent years as a leading national drug control policy challenge. Coordination between all levels of government is needed if the challenge of curbing methamphetamine use is to be met and fulfilled. Public awareness and involvement is also important to effectively preventing the use of methamphetamine within our local communities. Guam is no exception to the alarming trends in methamphetamine use. The trafficking and use of methamphetamine on Guam has risen in recent years and directly affected the youth of our island. Today methamphetamine-related arrests on average constitute three quarters of the adult drug-related arrests on Guam each year. The Guam Department of Customs and Quarantine has seized more grams of amphetamines than any other illegal narcotic over the past several years. Additionally, more than half of the individuals admitted for substance abuse treatment on Guam are methamphetamine users. The increase in the abuse of the drug spans all ethnic, cultural, and age groups. There are currently no national observances or coordinated programs dedicated to the fight against methamphetamine despite the alarming national and local trends. A ``National Meth Prevention Week'' would be the first of its kind. I strongly support H. Res. 556 for this reason and know that such an undertaking would facilitate a national dialogue for communities to share information on what programs, methods and initiatives work best for combating methamphetamine use. I look forward to promoting National Meth Prevention Week on Guam. I thank our colleague from Washington, Mr. Baird, and our colleague from Indiana, Mr. Souder, for their leadership on national drug control policy and in particular for the efforts in promoting national awareness of the dangers associated with methamphetamine abuse.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 692 which commends the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands for their contributions and sacrifices associated with the United States nuclear testing program. The first nuclear detonation was made on the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands on March 1, 1954. This test, and the subsequent testing program, established the nuclear deterrent that has served to ensure the security of our Nation and our allies throughout the Cold War. The people of the Marshall Islands sacrificed in a particularly unique way for our security, one that is both immense and somber. Today we continue to honor their contribution. Further, Mr. Speaker, the contributions of the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands have continued to this very day. Today we can find Marshallese serving in the United States Armed Forces around the world. Some are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as we speak and many others are contributing to the well being of the United States in other new and unique ways throughout the Global War on Terror. The Republic of the Marshall Islands stands today with America as one of the Freely Associated States in the Pacific, and our strong bonds of friendship are a testament to our mutual commitment to freedom and democracy. To my friends and neighbors, the Marshallese, I extend the thanks of a grateful Nation. To borrow from your beautiful language, ``kommol tata,'' or thank you very much.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my dear friend, Dr. John Ray Taitano on the occasion of his retirement from the Guam Army National Guard after twenty three years of service as a patriot and to express the gratitude and appreciation of the people of Guam and America for his accomplishments and his dedication to his country and the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Dr. Taitano, even as he completed his college education at the University of Guam in 1968, was ever mindful of his duty to country, and continued his pursuit of a military career through the U.S. Army Engineer's Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, VA, from where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and then soon after deployed to Viet Nam where he served from 1971 to 1972. After that deployment and service, Dr. Taitano pursued his lifelong desire to continue serving his people as a doctor of medicine through the University of Hawaii's School of Medicine from where he was the first Chamorro graduate. He soon after returned to Guam to establish, with three fellow Chamorro doctors, the Family Medical Clinic, which eventually became The Doctors' Clinic, one of Guam's premier private medical clinics serving over 15,000 island patients. Today, John Ray Taitano continues to serve The Doctors' Clinic as a staff physician, stockholder and member of its Board of Directors. Despite his busy schedule at The Doctors' Clinic, Dr. John Ray Taitano continued to serve his community through the years in many ways. As President of the Guam Memorial Hospital Medical Staff and Chairman of the Hospital's Medical Executive Committee; as President of the Guam Medical Society; as President of the Government of Guam's Commission on Licensure; as President of the Guam Heart Association; and as his latest adventure; as President of the Guam Veterans' Advisory Council. But his love for his country, and the men and women who proudly wear its uniforms, continued to motivate him to even greater personal accomplishments. In 1983, Dr. Taitano was commissioned as a Captain of the Guam Army National Guard and became its first, and only, State Surgeon. He served as the chief advisor to eight (8) Adjutant Generals on all command medical matters and has ensured that all 800 plus personnel are medically qualified for deployment worldwide. He became the Senior Medical Officer of the Command, a position and responsibility he has held since 1997. In pursuit of the best health for the soldiers under his watch, Dr. Taitano championed elimination of smoking inside all buildings of the Guam National Guard and established the first unit physical training program for MEDCOM, in addition to and apart from the Command PT program. While serving as the Senior Medical Officer of the Guam Guard, Colonel Taitano attended the U.S. Army War College where he graduated in June 2001 with a Master of Strategic Studies. The War College has honed to an even keener edge, Colonel Taitano's strategic planning and leadership skills in preparation for assuming positions as a general officer. Despite already serving his country in the Viet Nam Conflict, for which he received numerous awards and commendations, Dr. Taitano did not shy away from the call to again serve his country in battle. In 2005, Colonel Taitano again responded to the call of duty with service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, fighting alongside our country's soldiers and attending to their medical needs as a Medical Corp Officer with the 199th Troop Medical Clinic of the 256 Brigade Combat Team of the Louisiana Army National Guard. Upon his retirement, many of our island people will look on John Ray Taitano's distinguished career with justified pride. Many of those who call him DOCTOR will be relieved at his retirement from the Guard; and many in the Guard will be saddened that a fellow soldier who championed their health causes has chosen to retire. But in the minds of all of these will always abide that knowledge that John Ray Taitano will forever be an outstanding doctor of medicine and always an untiring and unwavering patriot, soldier and defender of the American way of life. May God Bless Dr. Taitano as we all wish him the best upon retirement with a heartfelt, Si Yu'os Ma'ase.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that would strengthen third-party lobbying disclosure requirements contained in the Lobbying Disclosure Act, P.L. 104-65. Specifically, the legislation I have introduced today would amend Section 5(b) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1604(b), by first making a series of technical corrections and then by adding new language to require that specific information be disclosed when a registrant is retained to engage in lobbying activities on behalf of a third party. This legislation would require that the identity of, the contact information for, and the amounts paid by that third party for the registrant's services be disclosed on the registrant's semiannual financial disclosure reports filed with the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate pursuant to Section 5 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The intent of this legislation is to enhance current law by making the practice of third-party lobbying activities more transparent. Section 4 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act requires that a lobbyist list the name, address, and principal place of business of any organization, other than the client, that contributes more than $10,000 toward the registrant's lobbying activities in a semiannual period, or and in whole or in major part plans, supervises, or controls such lobbying activities. The changes to the Lobbying Disclosure Act proposed by my legislation would reinforce existing Section 4 disclosure provisions. These changes would require the reporting of a third, or subsequent degree, contractual relationship between a lobbyist and a client pursuant to Section 5 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The authors of the Lobbying Disclosure Act understood that accurate reporting of the identity of participants in third-party lobbying activities is important to transparency. In fact, the Committee on the Judiciary expressed its views on Section 4(b)(3) in House Report 104- 339, describing that current law ``is intended to preclude evasion of the disclosure requirements of the Act through the creation of ad hoc lobbying coalitions behind which real parties in interest can hide.'' Recent media reports reveal that third-party lobbying activities have been arranged to evade the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The registration and financial disclosure reports required by Sections 4 and 5 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act should both capture the contractual lobbying relationships entered into by registrants and their clients. Current law requires that registrants declare third- party contractual lobbying relationships on their Section 4 registration reports. However, Section 5 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act does not specifically require the disclosure of the details of third- party contractual lobbying activities. The legislation I have introduced today would close this loophole. This legislation enhances current law and will bring further transparency and accountability to lobbying activities. I urge my colleagues to support the Full Disclosure in Lobbying Act. It is my hope that this legislation will be enacted, and its merits will be reviewed as the House considers lobbying reform legislation.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 698, offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Knollenberg) to express the sense of this body that all Americans should participate in a moment of silence to reflect upon the service and the sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces, both at home and abroad. Our Nation is unified in support of our men and women who sacrifice to keep us free. This past year, Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Territory of Guam lost several servicemembers in combat. The toll seems unbearable to those who have lost loved ones, and in many ways it is. But the price that these men and women were willing to pay and ultimately did can be understood when one takes a simple moment to stop and notice what our way of life provides for us: liberty, freedom, and democracy. Our Nation's fallen heroes know that freedom is not free. They died to protect our liberty so that we can remain free. In many cases, they gave so others could also have a chance to live as we do, because we believe freedom-loving democracies will live at peace with us. So as we honor all who serve with this resolution, I especially honor those who have made the greatest sacrifice. A moment of silence is especially appropriate for these fallen heroes, men and women, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude that is simply unpayable. It allows us to reflect on our freedom; but mostly, Mr. Speaker, it captures the enormity of their individual sacrifices. Forever, each has fallen silent. For those who love them, there is consolation in knowing that our Nation will remember their sacrifice. So let us take a moment to reflect upon and honor their memory. Today, as I read off the names of Guam's fallen heroes in the war on terror, I ask, Mr. Speaker, that we observe a brief moment of silence here today in this House on this floor to honor these men and women who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice like they did: Specialist Christopher Wesley; First Lieutenant Michael Aguon Vega; Sergeant Yihjyh Lang Chen; Corporal JayGee Meluat; Sergeant Skipper Soram; Specialist Jonathon Pangelinan Santos; Staff Sergeant Steven Bayow; Specialist Derence Jack; Sergeant Wilgene Lieto; Specialist Richard Naputi; and Specialist Kasper Dudkiewicz. Now for a brief moment of silence. God bless our service men and women, and God bless our great country, the United States of America.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David D. Tuncap of Tamuning, Guam for his service to our community in four decades of public service and leadership both in government and the private sector. Mr. Tuncap is one of those rare individuals on Guam whose vision and contributions to our visitor industry have benefited our community and made our island a better place to live. Mr. Tuncap served in the Government of Guam as a Director of the Department of Commerce from 1975 to 1976 and as the first Executive Manager of the Guam Airport Authority from 1976 to 1978. He also served from 1976 to 1978 and from 1981 to 1996 as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guam Visitors Bureau. In addition to his government experience, Mr. Tuncap held several senior management positions in the private sector in businesses related to the visitor industry. Mr. Tuncap was a key player in the development of Guam's visitor industry and in the period of rapid growth and expansion of our island's tourist infrastructure in the 1970s and 1980s. During his tenure at GVB he promoted the Chamorro culture as the foundation of the visitor experience to Guam. David Tuncap has been a leader on Guam both within the visitor industry and as a community advocate. He is recognized as a visionary who helped to diversify and grow our island's economy. On the occasion of his retirement, I join our island in saluting his impressive accomplishments and in thanking him for his years of service to our community. I know his wife Dolores, and his daughters, Antoinette Jo Ann, Nora Jean, Tania Paulette, are especially proud of his accomplishments. I also join them in commending David Tuncap for his lifetime of achievements and for the fine example of what it means to be a dedicated public servant and a successful business leader.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Tan Siu Lin for his service to our community and his civic involvement on Guam. Dr. Tan, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, has supported many community projects and initiatives since he and his family first established a business on Guam in 1972. His civic contributions have spanned the fields of education, journalism, information technology and business. Today, Dr. Tan continues to fill important leadership roles on our island and remains involved in many notable community and philanthropic projects that benefit the Western Pacific Region. The preservation of culture has always been an important goal of Dr. Tan, who was born in Quanzhou, China in 1930. He founded the Chinese School of Guam, the Chinese Park of Guam, and Gee How Oak Tin Association of Guam. He served as the chairman of the United Chinese Association of Guam during its early stages and successfully led the organization through a period of sustained growth and activity. Today, he continues to serve the United Chinese Association of Guam as their Honorary Chairman. He has endowed a scholarship at the University of Guam in support of academic excellence. He established ``The Overseas Chinese Newspaper of Guam'' to share news among the Chinese community of Guam and to promote and highlight accomplishments of their community. His entrepreneurial success has not overshadowed his humanity and his community service. His personal motto is: ``deliver to the community with what you have earned from it.'' He has been recognized by the governments of Malaysia and the Philippines for his philanthropic contributions. Organizations in Hong Kong and Micronesia have also honored him for his work in support of charitable causes. As he marks another milestone this week with the opening of a new business venture on Guam, I take this occasion to recognize his achievements and his community service. I join his wife Lam Pek Kim and his children Henry, Willie, Lilly, Jerry, Raymond and Sunny in recognizing his many professional accomplishments and his service to our community.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 357, Honoring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Honoring Justice O'Connor's career as a jurist with this resolution is significant as she was a pioneer for women in the legal profession. Nominated for the Supreme Court by President Reagan and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 1981, Justice O'Connor became the 102nd Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and its first woman member. Justice O'Connor served honorably until her retirement on January 31, 2006. Justice O'Connor retired from the bench and from public service with the same grace and dignity with which she served. Her commitment to the Constitution, to public service, and to the United States will serve as inspiration for young Americans for years to come. Her work while on the Court will continue to provide needed guidance as American law continues to evolve. Her legacy of attacking bias not only against women but against all groups through jurisprudence benefits us all. Justice O'Connor is the product of humble beginnings. In school, Justice O'Connor worked hard, earning numerous achievements while overcoming many obstacles in her path to success. Upon graduation, Justice O'Connor found it difficult to obtain a position with any law firm due to her gender despite having earned honors as an undergraduate and a law student at Stanford University. Undaunted, she created her own opportunities, partnering with a colleague and beginning her own firm. Shortly thereafter, Justice O'Connor placed her career on hold to become a mother. During this time, Justice O'Connor devoted herself to volunteer activities with the Arizona State Hospital, the Arizona State Bar, the Salvation Army and several local schools. Justice O'Connor returned to practicing law after 5 years as a full- time mother and assumed a position with the Arizona Attorney General's office. In 1969, she was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Arizona State Senate and 4 years later was the first woman to serve as the chamber's majority leader. This leadership role, however, only marked the beginning of her groundbreaking professional accomplishments. In 1974, Justice O'Connor was nominated for a judgeship position in the Maricopa County Superior Court and nominated to the Arizona Court of Appeals 5 years later. As a result of her work on the Arizona Court of Appeals President Reagan nominated her to serve on the Supreme Court. Justice O'Connor's career proves that there is no barrier to large, no challenge to great, and no position to lofty to attain for a woman of integrity, conviction and intelligence. Justice O'Connor is among the pioneering women of our time. She stands as a testament to what a fearless spirit, a determined heart and a sharp mind can achieve in the face of bias and tradition. Today, only one woman now serves on the Supreme Court, but we now that more will follow in the footsteps of Justice O'Connor. Although Justice O'Connor is most widely recognized for her 24 years as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, she deserves to be recognized for leading of life of humanity, of dedication to public service, and one of commitment to making our country more fair, tolerant, and a better place to live. Her lifetime of achievements in the field of law and public service will always be remembered. Our country thanks her for the example she has set.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and commend Ms. Kristal Koga, on being named 2006 Women in Business Champion of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration Guam Branch Office. Ms. Koga is an accomplished designer and owns the ``Kristal Kollection'' clothing line. Her hard work and keen business sense has made her a well known and well established businesswoman on Guam. Her commitment to use her vast skills and knowledge to foster and mentor young women pursuing careers in business is what makes her especially deserving of this recognition as ``Women in Business Champion.'' Ms. Koga is serving, or has served in numerous organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women around the world, including the Soroptimist International of the Marianas, where she is a current member and served as the immediate past-president; the Federation of Asian Pacific Women's Association, where she is currently serving as treasurer; and the Guam Council of Women's Clubs, where she serves as the vice president. I congratulate Kristal for being selected as the 2006 Women in Business Champion of the Year. I join our island community in celebrating her distinction. Kristal, we are all proud of you and we wish you continued prosperity.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and commend Mr. Alfred K.Y. Lam, affectionately known to everyone on Guam as ``Uncle Alfred,'' on being named the 2006 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration Guam Branch Office. Alfred's entrepreneurial spirit, diligence, and perseverance have made him a successful businessman on Guam, but his commitment to the development and promotion of other minority businesses over the last 30 years makes him deserving of the Minority Small Business Champion of the Year award. Since coming to Guam in 1972, Alfred has operated his own business, finding a wealth of business opportunity in Guam's burgeoning shipping industry. Even in those early days, Alfred saw the need to nurture other small businesses for the benefit of the entire community. From 1974 to 1976, he served as the vice president of the United Chinese Association, and was the charter president of the Asian Pacific Lions Club in 1982. During this time, Alfred also helped form the Sea Transport Association, which was created to promote and stabilize the shipping market between Guam and the Far East for the benefit of Chinese merchants and Guam's economy as a whole. For the last two years, Alfred has also served as president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, which has begun to form alliances with other Chinese Chambers of Commerce in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Los Angeles. Alfred is a proven business leader, and continues to be an inspiration to the next generation of businessmen on Guam, including the 2005 Small Business Person of the Year, George Lai of Quality Distributors. I congratulate Alfred for being selected as the 2006 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year for Guam. Our island celebrates his recognition with his wife Kathy and his children. Uncle Alfred, we are all proud of you and we wish you continued prosperity.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifetime of accomplishments of Mr. Wu Jia Chi, affectionately known to us on Guam as ``Chuck Wu'' and to recognize his humanitarianism. Mr. Wu was born in Taipei, Taiwan on February 21, 1921. He immigrated to Guam in 1971 and opened a small business in Harmon. His business was the first of many successful enterprises he has established on Guam during the last quarter century. Today Mr. Wu is a well respected resident on our island of Guam and in the Pacific Region. His entrepreneurial spirit, his commitment to his family, and his dedication to our community inspires us all. Mr. Wu is a pioneer in the business community on Guam and is a leader within his own Chinese community. His vision and determination have contributed to his success, and he has used this success to help many nonprofit organizations and worthwhile causes. He is one who has given back to the community through his involvement and his time. He is a dynamic force and his efforts and volunteerism have helped civic organizations on our island on many occasions. Mr. Wu has never lost his firm belief in the importance of preserving cultural traditions and customs. He established the Chinese School of Guam in 1978 and served as the school's principal for 7 years. He continues to advocate for the improvement of our schools and the development of our young students, both within the Chinese community and throughout our island. Mr. Wu's commitment to serving and leading the Chinese community was recognized in his appointment as a commissioner for Overseas Chinese Affairs since 1991. He was also the president of the Chinese School Foundation of Guam from 1989 to 1993. Moreover, from 1985 to 1989, Mr. Wu was the president of the United Chinese Association of Guam. Mr. Wu also served as president of the Sea Transport Association of Guam from 1982 to 1985. In 1993 he was honored as the U.S. Small Business Advocate of the Year. Mr. Wu has made a lasting impression on our island of Guam and his leadership in our community has improved our island significantly. I join his wife Shiu-Fong Lai-Wu, his sons, Fong, Albert, John, and Thomas, his daughters-in-law, Shaina, Sandra, and Janet, and his grandchildren, Vera, Valerie, Stefanie, Alexander, Sophia, Shaun, Chucky, Kaile, and Tommy, and all the people of Guam, in commending Chuck Wu for his lifetime of accomplishments.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Mr. Joseph Crisostomo of Guam and to commend him on being honored as the 2006 Small Business Person of the Year. Each year the U.S. Small Business Administration Guam Branch Office solicits nominations from our community for this award. This year Mr. Crisostomo has earned this distinction and his nomination will go forward for national recognition as well. Mr. Crisostomo, who family, friends, employees, and customers know as ``Joey,'' is widely recognized and well respected within our island community as a formidable and successful business leader. His has an impressive record of experience in the sales and automotive industries and he has built a reputation of hard work and strong leadership. The son of Jose R. and Rosario Sanchez Crisostomo, Joey grew up in a military family and developed an interest in cars and motorcycles at an early stage in life. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1977, and began working at a local company on the island stocking auto parts and assembling motorcycles. After spending several years in Idaho and Hawaii in the industry, he returned to his home island of Guam in 1992 to work in car sales and to serve as the sales manager for two local companies. In 1999, the local Chrysler dealership folded but Joey was instrumental in securing the parts and service agreement with Chrysler International to ensure the Chrysler name remained on Guam. Despite weak economic conditions, Joey successfully took risk and opened Cars Plus, LLC. Joey demonstrated his ability to start up a new business from the bottom. Today, Cars Plus has grown from a service and parts company to a full line car dealership. Joey has guided the company over consecutive years of record growth, and the business has expanded in employees, size, and sales. Joey is not only a strong and successful business leader on our island. He has contributed to our community in many ways with corporate sponsorships, board memberships, and his personal time. He is an active member of the Guam Chamber of Commerce and the Guam Visitor's Bureau Sports Tourism Committee. In particular, he has devoted his time to youth programs and youth organizations. Among the many organizations that have benefited from his contributions are Guam's Youth Life Program, the Guam Juvenile Drug Court Program, Operation Outreach USA, the Guam Football Association, the Global Young Leaders Conference, the Guam Girls Fast Pitch Softball League, the Boy Scouts of America, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the American Red Cross, and the American Cancer Society. As an avid racer, Joey has also promoted Guam internationally having competed in many races. Today we take this occasion to recognize Joey's achievements and his contributions to our community. I join his wife, Joyce, his daughters, Lenora and Jennifer, and his son, Joey, in honoring his accomplishments and in commending him as the Small Business Person of the Year for 2006. Our community wishes him the best of success as he pursues future endeavors.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 322 to recognize the outstanding contributions of the United Service Organization (USO) to the morale and welfare of our servicemen and women in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. I also take this occasion to commend the USO upon their 65th anniversary. The USO has served as a source of support, entertainment, and morale for American troops since its chartering in 1941. Established at the request of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the USO has served our Nation's servicemen and women ever since. I commend the efforts of those six civilian agencies--the Salvation Army, Young Men's Christian Association, Young Women's Christian Association, National Catholic Community Service, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board--that came together in support of our troops in creating the USO, bringing about its official incorporation in New York on February 4, 1941. The USO has strong ties to Guam. Burgeoning with U.S. military personnel following the liberation of the island, the USO first came to Guam in the early 1950s. Delivering entertainment and laughs to those serving on Guam, the USO's work on Guam was but a small glimpse of its work lifting the morale of servicemen and women around the world. The combat zones of the past included Korea, Vietnam and Kuwait. Today the USO brings entertainment to our men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa among many other places. For 65 years, wherever you found America's military, you found the USO, no matter the location or the danger. The USO not only brings entertainment, a piece of home and a smile to troops deployed abroad through its shows, but serves as a ``home away from home'' for servicemen and women in 124 centers around the world. I am pleased to state that this proud tradition will soon be resurrected on Guam. The USO will re-open its Guam branch on March 23, 2006. With the military presence on Guam steadily growing, the USO has once more answered the call to service. With growing unease in Asia, the strategic location of Guam is increasingly valued. The men and women who serve on the island provide stability to the region and security to our Nation. The USO will once again ensure that these men and women, their families and their guests nonetheless always have the support they need. No doubt this branch will also bring to Guam many of the USO's trademark shows. Let me take this chance to say, on behalf of the people of Guam, welcome back to the USO. As we say on Guam, Hafa Adai and Si Yu'os Ma'ase (thank you) for their work. Our Nation enjoys a spirit of brotherhood, of service and of charity that is a reflection of a national value of selfless service. The USO embodies this national value. And the people who are the USO live this national value. Over 12,000 volunteers donate over 450,000 hours annually thereby allowing the USO to serve our Nation's greatest servants. Not to be forgotten are the celebrities and entertainers that often headline USO tours, lending their time and talents to honor those people who provide them the very opportunity to live the American dream they have realized. And providing the foundation upon which the USO can operate are countless thousands of U.S. donors, both private and corporate, who make giving a centerpiece of their lives. I join my colleagues in commending the USO and all of the men and women who over time and who now make up this great organization for the service they provide to those who serve our Nation in uniform. Like our military men and women, you too are heroes. You are what makes America great. God Bless the USO, God Bless our men and women serving around the world today and God Bless America.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 657. This resolution honors the contributions that Catholic schools make to our communities and, in particular, recognizes the annual Catholic Schools Week, celebrated from January 29-February 4 this year. I thank Mr. Kennedy of Minnesota for introducing H. Res. 657, for recognizing Catholic Schools Week, and for his ongoing support for Catholic schools nationwide. Catholic Schools Week is an event co-sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Honored during the Week are Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education. The Catholic schools community has a significant role in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for our communities, our country and, most of all, for our children. Guam's association with the Roman Catholic Church dates back to Ferdinand Magellan's arrival on our island in 1521. Guam became an important port-of-call along trade routes through the Pacific sailed by Spanish Galleons. Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, a Spanish Jesuit missionary, arrived in Guam in 1662 during his journey from Mexico to the Philippines. Padre San Vitores vowed to return to Guam upon leaving the island. Three years later, through his close ties to the royal court, he persuaded King Philip IV of Spain and Queen Maria Ana of Austria to order the establishment of a Catholic mission in Guam. Padre San Vitores established a mission in the village of Agana which later became the site of the island's first Catholic Church. It is now the seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Agana, canonically erected in 1911, elevated to a Diocese in 1965--300 years after Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores kept his promise to return to the island. The Diocese was further elevated in 1984 to a Metropolitan Diocese. Today it enjoys a congregation of 101,000 strong throughout Oceania. The Roman Catholic faith grew strong on Guam over the years. This strength is represented in the quality of Catholic school education on the island. Our island has four nursery schools, six elementary and middle schools, and three high schools that teach the Catholic faith in addition to academic curriculum. The Catholic school tradition on Guam began with Bishop Appollinaris Baumgartner. He recognized our island's need for quality education inspired by the Catholic faith. In 1946, he invited the Three Sisters of Mercy from North Carolina to Guam. They established The Academy of Our Lady, the first all girls' Catholic high school on Guam. This school remains in operation today. Also, Bishop Baumgartner invited the School Sisters of Notre Dame of La Crosse, Wisconsin to come to Guam in 1949. Soon after arriving on the island the Sisters founded Notre Dame High School, a Catholic co-educational high school. Notre Dame High School also remains operational today. Father Duenas Memorial High School is the third Catholic high school on Guam. Its namesake, Father Jesus Baza Duenas, was executed on July 11, 1944, by the Japanese forces occupying Guam. Father Duenas, a resistance figure on the island, was executed along with his nephew because he would not betray the location of an American sailor hiding on the island. Father Duenas Memorial High School continues his legacy of courage and integrity. All three schools offer rigorous curricula to prepare students for college while instilling strong moral values and an understanding of the Catholic faith. Bishop Baumgartner initiated a strong tradition of Catholic elementary and middle school education on Guam, as well as providing advanced theological study opportunities for the island's faithful in minor seminary. Bishop Baumgartner's legacy of shaping the character of Guam's faithful by promoting Catholic education opportunities on the island was continued by Archbishop Felixberto Camacho Flores, Guam's first Chamorro Bishop, when he became Titular Bishop of Stonj in 1970. The number of Catholic schools on Guam increased under his leadership. He expanded their programs and improved school facilities. Today, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana remains committed to serving the people of Guam. Under the direction of the Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana, Catholic educational institutions on Guam provide quality academic instruction to students. The contributions of the Catholic school system to the people of Guam are reflected in our local leaders in the clergy, government, and private-sector who are alumni of the Catholic schools. The dedication shown by the Archdiocese of Agana to the quality of Catholic school education on our island strongly reflects the theme for Catholic Schools Week: Character. Compassion. Values. Guam has a long history of Catholicism and enjoys a strong tradition of educational institutions grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church. I recognize and commend the Catholic schools in Guam for their commitment to instilling the principles of academic rigor, sound moral values, and respect and understanding for the Catholic faith in our children's daily lives. In honor of Catholic Schools Week, I want to recognize dedication and achievements made by the students, parents, teachers and administrators of Catholic schools in Guam and across the Nation. Their contributions to our society, both inside and outside of the classroom are significant. It is my hope that the tradition of Catholic schools education on Guam and around the United States will remain strong for generations to come.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the solemn charge of paying tribute to SPC Kasper Alan Camacho Dudkiewicz, 22, U.S. Army, of Guam. SPC Dudkiewicz was Killed in Action on January 15, 2006, in Mosul, Iraq. The United States and the U.S. Army have lost a proud and able soldier, and Guam and a loving family have lost a son, brother, and husband. SPC Dudkiewicz was assigned to the 511th Military Police Company, 91st Military Police Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. He was dedicated to the mission in Iraq and he personified his unit's motto: ``strike fear.'' SPC Dudkiewicz is one of three Dudkiewicz brothers to serve in Iraq, continuing Guam's strong commitment to service in the United States military. SPC Dudkiewicz was posthumously promoted from Private First Class to Specialist in recognition of his distinguished service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Dudkiewicz and Camacho families during this time of loss. SPC Dudkiewicz is survived by his wife Katie, who is a soldier serving in Korea, and their sons, Alexander W. Parker and Zane Nicolas BIas Cruz. Additionally, SPC Dudkiewicz is survived by his parents, Kasper Dudkiewicz and Maria Margaret Crisostomo Camacho and his stepmother Connie Fergurgur Dudkiewicz. SPC Dudkiewicz' brothers and sisters, Kevin and Ty, Korey, Kollin, Kris, Kurt, Corina, Jereco, Elijah, and Regina and Jeremy also cherish his memory. My deepest sympathies are with them during this difficult time. I join them in mourning his loss. SPC Dudkiewicz now joins the honored company of other fallen heroes who have put the ideals of duty, honor, and country before themselves and made the ultimate sacrifice. It is my hope that SPC Dudkiewicz' commitment to creating a bright future for his children, his devotion to his wife, and his dedication to his parents and siblings will remain strong and guiding influences from which his family, friends, and neighbors can draw strength for years to come. The people of Guam take this time to extend to the Dudkiewicz and Camacho families their most heartfelt wishes of hope during this difficult time. We take this time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by the men and women like SPC Dudkiewicz who shoulder the responsibility of protecting our homeland, our families and the American way of life. The debt of gratitude we owe to these individuals, although un-payable, is worthy of our most sincere appreciation. God bless our men and women in uniform and God bless America.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I rise today to honor the life and public service of Mrs. Mae Cruz Tenorio. Mae managed my District Office in Guam with humor, courtesy and professionalism for 3 years, which marked a continuation of almost 8 years of service as the Special Assistant and Special Projects Director for my predecessor, Representative Robert Underwood. Mae possessed the qualities of commitment to good government, selfless service to her community, and integrity that are valued so highly by our congressional community. Mae's commitment to her community, to the United States and to public service began in 1971, at the Tulare County Credit Bureau in Visalia, California, where she worked as a part-time secretary and credit reporter. Mae returned to Guam in June 1978, to work for the Office of the Governor. She remained in public service to Guam for 35 years. Mae's work as a dedicated public servant and community leader has many highlights. Three themes throughout it are prominent: the advancement and empowerment of women; the strengthening of the family; and the improvement of our island. Her leadership on these issues spanned her work with the Government of Guam Office of the Comptroller, the Commission on Self-Determination, Office of the Governor of Guam, the Office of Congressman Robert Underwood, and in my office. Her reputation for thoroughness and high quality staff work, earned as a result of her tenure on the Commission on Self-Determination beginning in 1984, is of particular note. She provided the staff support for the Commission's initial public hearings under then Governor Ricky Bordallo. Governor Joseph Ada's decision to retain Mae's services when he became the Commission's Chairman is a testament to her dedicated service and unique abilities. Mae served as the Commission's senior Professional Staff Member until 1992. Equally notable was her work with the Office of the Governor promoting awareness of women and family issues on Guam from 1992 to 1995. Mae continued her work to promote women and family issues as a leader of important community organizations on Guam. She was a founding member of the Guam Single Parents Network, established in 1977. Additionally, Mae became the first female president of the Pacific Jaycees in 1987, ably representing the Jaycees and Guam throughout the Pacific region and the world promoting community service and volunteerism. Mae's commitment to improving Guam and promoting the issues important to our island and its people continued when she joined the Office of Congressman Robert Underwood in 1995. As a respected and active member of that office she helped attract funding for The War in the Pacific National Historical Park Asan Bay Overlook Memorial Wall Project, while compiling the list of names for the memorial at the park, educating on and off-island Chamorro groups about the project, and helping to plan the official dedication of the wall. Mae's other contributions included providing timely and responsive constituent services and providing staff support to Congressman Underwood's War Restitution, Philippine Visa Waiver, and Economic Task Forces. Mae also organized Guam's Centennial Exhibit in Washington, DC, a pictorial review of Guam's history aimed to educate visitors to our Nation's Capital about our island and the issues that are important to us. Mae will be remembered not only for the excellent work she did on behalf of her beloved island and the United States of America, but for her grace, humanity, and humility. Her good humor, mentorship, and friendship were appreciated by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her efforts touched the lives of countless members of our island's community and Guam's friends in the United States and around the world. The influence of her work will remain strong for years to come. But Mae was not a woman that can be defined solely by her work; she was so much more to so many. Mae, a caring mother to Christina, Nick and Andrew, a loving wife to Joseph Tenorio, a trusted friend for many, a daughter of Guam, and a faithful servant to her island and her country, was called her home by her Heavenly Father on January 10, 2006. The call home relieved her from her suffering. But it left a definite void in my life and in the lives of those who knew and loved her. Mae's full and rewarding life and our memories of her gentle demeanor will serve as inspiration for us all for years to come. Mae was a kind soul. She will be dearly missed.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of one of Guam's sons, SPC Richard Junior De Gracia Naputi, 24, U.S. Army, of Talofofo, Guam. Sadly, on December 20, 2005, our nation lost SPC Naputi. SPC Naputi was killed in action while serving in Taji, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Born and raised in Guam, he left the only home he knew to serve and defend his country. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Benning, Georgia, SPC Naputi embodied the proud history and traditions of his unit whose motto was ``Can Do'' and whose lineage traces back to the Civil War. My thoughts and prayers are with the Naputi family during this time of loss. I join his parents, Richard and Naputi, his wife Brianne, and all of Richard's extended family and friends, in mourning the loss of Richard and in honoring the dignity of his life. While the loss of SPC Naputi is painful for our entire island and our nation, he now joins that solemn fraternity of heroes who have put their country before themselves and made the greatest sacrifice. Heeding the Christmas message of ``Peace on earth,'' Richard's loss leads us to reflect upon the sacrifices made by the men and women who shoulder the responsibility of protecting our liberties and our freedoms. To these men and women, we owe a debt of gratitude that is simply unpayable. During this difficult time, the people of Guam and I are keeping the Naputi family in our thoughts and prayers. I also extend my prayers to the many men and women continuing to serve around the world in the cause of freedom. God bless the Naputi family, God bless our men and women in uniform and God bless America.