Madeleine Bordallo

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Marine Corps officers of the 11th Special Basic Course who are celebrating the 54th anniversary of their commissioning with a reunion during the week of May 12-15, 2005. The officers of the 11th Special Basic Course (11th SBC) at Quantico, Virginia, started training in the fall of 1951 and completed their training in March 1952. Although the class was a relatively small one, with just over two hundred officer candidates, they represented one hundred and eight different colleges and universities. Candidates from 36 States, the District of Columbia and Guam were in this class, making it one of the most representational Marine Corps basic officers' courses. During the Korean War the class had its share of officers who distinguished themselves in combat. Rod Skinner, Harvard '51, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for valor. John Word received the Navy Cross, the second highest award that our Nation can bestow for courage. Others were awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. The class also had its share of men wounded and killed in combat action. Although only a comparatively few members became regular officers, many served and retired from the Reserves while pursuing careers in law, education, religious ministry, athletics, engineering, business, and politics. Among those who were career officers of the Corps was a former Member of Congress, the Honorable Ben Blaz, Notre Dame '51. Ben served 30 years in the Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Brigadier General before retiring and subsequently embarking on a political career. He was one of my predecessors as the Congressional representative from Guam in this, the House of the People. It is a great honor for me to memorialize the visit of these Marine veterans, their families and friends, to the capital of our Nation for whom they carried their swords in her defense. Our Nation owes a debt of gratitude to those who have served and to those who currently wear the uniform of our armed forces. We therefore welcome the Marine Corps officers of 11th Special Basic Course (11th SBC) on their reunion and we recognize their contributions to our Nation. The Marine veterans and their families include: Robert Altick, Leslie Altick, Al Bailey, Mary Bailey, Charles Bentzen, Constance Bentzen, John Bickley, Anne Bickley, V. Ben Blaz, Ted Brothers, Charles Clifford, David Curry, Natalie Curry, Frank Delaney, Martha Delaney, Thomas Fallon, Mary Fallon, Marshall Figgatt, Alan Figgatt, Benis Frank, Marylou Frank, Tina Cooper, Erika Helgeson, William Keating, Robert Land, Joan Land, Thomas Land, James Land, John Lussenhop, Kay Lussenhop, Gene Moyers, Fern Moyers, Herbert Oxnam, Betty Oxnam, Richard Paschal, Len Paschal, Jordan Peck, Henry Pruitt, Mary Pruitt, Thomas Qualls, Chayne Stinemetz, Larue Stinemetz, Spatz Thomaidis, Virginia Swisher, Stanley Wilson, and Barbara Wilson. To the Marine Corps officers of the 11th SBC and their families, may you always know that our Nation appreciates the sacrifices that you have made and that your patriotism continues to inspire the generations of Marines who follow in your footsteps. Semper Fidelis.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 142, a resolution commending the goals and ideals of Rotary International as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Rotary International is a network of professionals who have pooled their talents in pursuit of improving the communities in which they live. I also commend the four Rotary International clubs on Guam that have provided leadership and set a high standard for service that is very much appreciated by our community. As America's first service organization, Rotary International embraces the ideal of providing for the wellbeing of the community before self. Today, Rotary International continues to expand its reach across continents to foster international understanding, and is now active in one hundred sixty-seven countries. One of Rotary International's current initiatives, the Polio Plus program, will immunize children throughout the world against polio. Since the implementation of Polio Plus, the Rotary International has, in cooperation with other multinational organizations such as the United Nations World Health Organization, managed to reduce the number of polio cases worldwide by ninety-nine percent. Other successful humanitarian endeavors include bringing treatment for preventing blindness to indigent patients in the Philippines, building schools in Turkey, and providing educational fellowships and grants for young people. Rotary International has dedicated significant resources to funding its fellowship and scholarship programs for citizens interested in studying abroad and pursuing scholarly work in global conflict resolution. Educational and community outreach to young citizens are examples of Rotary International's commitment to fostering international understanding and its belief that the virtue of volunteerism will provide positive change in the world at-large. I would like to commend Rotary International for its service to the international community and continued efforts to assist underserved populations of the world. Its vision of global understanding and commitment to service are truly noble core values. I also want to specifically congratulate the Rotary International clubs established in Guam, as well as their respective club presidents, for the hard work and commitment to community service that they have demonstrated over the years. They are: Dr. Ron McNinch, Tumon Bay; Mr. Mike Perrin, Guam; Mr. Curtis Dancoe, Guam Sunrise; and Mr. Lee Yudin, Northern Guam. I also want to extend my appreciation to the Assistant District Governor for the Pacific Basin Group, George Benoit. Today we honor the Rotary International organization, which embodies the principle that we must, as individuals, strive for goals greater than our own self interest. Through community service, we can help form a world that is a better place to live for all of us. Congratulations to Rotary International. To the Rotary Club of Guam, the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay, the Rotary Club of Guam Sunrise and the Rotary Club of Northern Guam, thank you very much for all you have done to promote community values in Guam.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, as the congressional representative from Guam, it is my honor to join my colleagues in commemorating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I want to thank our chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda), the chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, for his outstanding leadership and for organizing this Special Order to recognize the contributions of Asians and Pacific Islander Americans to our Nation. Today as we celebrate ``Liberty and Freedom For All,'' and as thousands of American servicemen and -women continue to fight the global war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are reminded of the sacrifices made to ensure our freedom. We reflect on the thousands of Asian and Pacific Islanders who are serving this country with honor and distinction in very dangerous circumstances. Mr. Speaker, I especially want to honor those who have given their lives to protect our freedom, including Guam's Army Specialist Christopher Wesley, Lieutenant Michael Vega, Sergeant Eddie Chan, Corporal Jaygee Meluat, and Specialist Jonathan Santoes, all servicemen from Guam who were killed in Iraq. I mention these heroes as a reminder that Americans in the territories stand shoulder to shoulder with their citizens when our Nation calls, and that we willing share the burdens and the sacrifices to preserve our freedom. We remember prominent Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who dedicated their lives to public service, doing their part to promote justice, not just for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, but for all Americans. Tonight I would like to make special mention of two of our colleagues, the late Congressman Robert Matsui of California who was a staunch advocate for the cause of the disadvantaged, the elderly, and young Americans; and the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink of Hawaii, who was a champion of women's rights and for the poor. Each has left a legacy that lives on in those whose lives they have touched and improved. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to educate our fellow citizens about the history and culture of Asian Pacific Island Americans. Their contribution to America is not just the diverse cultures that they have introduced to this land; it is also their stories of incredible journeys to freedom. Historically, Asians and Pacific Islanders have known war and strife. They have survived and thrived to the benefit of America. They have a powerful story to tell, and they have a love for this Nation that many of us today take for granted. This year, the people of Guam will commemorate the 61st anniversary of our islands's liberation by the United States Armed Forces during World War II. As the only American territory with a civilian population occupied by the enemy during World War II, Guamanians risked their lives due to their loyalty to America, and endured great hardship and brutality. During this dark period in Guam's history, our people experienced beheadings, executions, massacres, beatings, torture, rape, forced labor, forced marches, and internment in concentration camps. I want to recognize the survivors of the occupation of Guam for their courage, their sacrifice and steadfast loyalty to our great Nation. Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago, a Federal commission was tasked by Congress to examine whether the people of Guam received equal treatment in the handling of war claims as compared to their fellow citizens. The Guam War Claims Review Commission reported in June 2004 that there was indeed a lack of parity and that Congress should enact legislation to remedy this injustice. The report stated, ``The Review Commission affirms that there is a moral obligation on the part of our national government to pay compensation for war damages, in order to ensure that to the extent possible, that no single individual or group of individuals bears more than a just part of the overall burden of war.'' With the support of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I have introduced legislation, H.R. 1595, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, with 75 sponsors, to implement the recommendations of the Review Commission. I urge my colleagues to help us bring closure to this issue for the people of Guam. Let us finally grant recognition to some of the finest patriots America has ever produced, and let us commend the people of Guam for their sacrifices for our Nation during the wartime occupation of our island. As we commend Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor the contributions of all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Let us celebrate the cultural diversity, the patriotism, and the Asian and Pacific Islander communities that make America so great.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 228 which recognizes the 30th anniversary of the tragic fall of the Republic of Vietnam and honors the 1.5 million Vietnamese-Americans who have settled in the U.S. and worked to promote democracy and prosperity in the U.S. as well as back in their homeland. As this Congress is aware, the tragedy of the fall of the Republic of Vietnam displaced approximately 3 million Vietnamese. Many of these individuals sought refuge in the United States. The people of Guam have a special relationship with these Vietnamese-Americans, 150,000 of whom arrived in Guam as refugees after the fall of Saigon in April 1975. To give you some perspective on the impact of this refugee crisis and the magnitude of Operation New Life, the current population of Guam today is 157,000. At the time of Operation New Life, Guam grew by 150 percent in a matter of days. My late husband Ricardo J. Bordallo was Governor of Guam at the time of Operation New Life, and I 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 home to them. Schools were closed because the buses and classrooms were needed to respond to this human emergency. The Asian refugee camp became our largest village overnight. 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. Today, many of the Vietnamese refugees who landed in Guam continue to live and prosper in the Guam community and throughout the United States. They have had families, opened businesses and contributed to our national life. They represent the finest ideals of political freedom. Many of the Vietnamese refugees have used their skills to create new businesses and to improve their lives and the lives of their fellow refugees. I am proud to call attention to one example of how Vietnamese-Americans have become an American success story. I recently learned of a new business venture in southern California called the First Vietnamese American Bank, which, when fully operational, will serve the Vietnamese-American community as well as prime the economic pumps for business relationships between Vietnam and the United States. The visionary board of the First Vietnamese American Bank gives us all hope that economic ties will lead the way towards stronger relationships between the Vietnamese people and the American people. I congratulate them on this bold endeavor and I wish them success in serving their community as well as building bridges to their former homeland. I commend the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Chan Q. Kieu, and the Directors, Mr. Pedro (Sonny) P. Ada, Mr. Arthur B. Birtcher, Mr.Walter L. Hannen Sr., Mr. Alex L. Hoang, Mr. Joe Keleman, Dr. Hieu T. Nguyen, Ms. Loan (Lynn) T. Nguyen, and Mr. Masao Tsuzura. I also commend the President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Hieu T. Nguyen, and senior managers Mr. Binh S. Hoang, Mr. John A. Podlesni and Mr. Douglas M. Shearer. We reflect today on the long road from the fall of Saigon to a new world that seeks peace and prosperity. The Vietnamese-Americans who inspire us also remind us of the cost of the freedom we enjoy. We hope that Vietnam will continue on its own political journey so that one day the freedom that Vietnamese-Americans enjoy in America can be shared by their families in Vietnam. That is a vision worth pursuing and in supporting H. Res. 228, Congress can express its solidarity with all those who share this vision for Vietnam.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a provision of H. Res. 22 that states that small businesses have a right to be free from unnecessary regulation and paperwork. Small business is important to me, Mr. Speaker, since 95 percent of the businesses in Guam are small businesses. My concern is the practical aspect of including this language in a bill that is meant to serve essentially as a statement of legislative goals for the 109th Congress. The Regulatory Flexibility Act is routinely ignored by Federal agencies who are supposed to review regulations every 10 years. The Office of Advocacy and the Office of Information and Regulatory Policy are the offices assigned to review proposed regulations. The point is that sufficient authority exists to protect small businesses against unnecessary regulatory burdens but, unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, these laws are not being carried out to the intended level by the executive branch. I agree with the regulatory provision of H Res. 22. However, this issue should remain where it belongs: in the committee's oversight plan. Mr. Speaker I, therefore, support House Resolution 22. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address a provision of H. Res. 22 that states that small businesses have a right to be free from unnecessary regulation and paperwork. My purpose is not to judge the merits of this provision in the rhetorical sense, as I too agree that we need to do more to relieve the regulatory and paperwork burden on small businesses. My concern is the practical aspect of including this language in a bill that is meant to serve essentially as a statement of legislative goals for the 109th Congress, particularly a bill such as H. Res. 22 that has unfortunately poisoned some of the bipartisan spirit that I believe made the Small Business Committee so strong and effective in past Congresses. Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires federal agencies to review regulations every ten years in order to strike or revise those provisions which are obsolete or for which a more modern perspective would lead to a better rule. This Act is routinely ignored by federal agencies. The Office of Advocacy and the Office of Information and Regulatory Policy are the offices assigned to review proposed regulations for their impact on small businesses and to ensure that agencies comply with the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the paperwork Reduction Act. Both offices have been provided fewer resources than in previous years, with the administration now proposing to eliminate the line item for advocacy's research budget. The point is that sufficient authority exists to protect small businesses against unnecessary regulatory burdens, but unfortunately these laws are not being carried out to the intended level by the executive branch. I agree with the regulatory provision of H. Res. 22 in substance, however, this issue should remain where it belongs: in the committee's oversight plan. As the ranking member of the Regulatory Reform and Oversight Subcommittee, I am very much looking forward to conducting oversight hearings on the challenges facing the Federal agencies in complying with existing mandates. The chairman of my subcommittee is a good man, with whom I know there exists much common ground for which we can work on a bipartisan basis. Last year, we worked on a bipartisan basis to advance an SBA reauthorization that had many important provisions. We worked together on a number of other items such as small business health care and restoring funding for the 7(a) Loan Program that we felt were of mutual interest to small businesses despite objections from other members of our own parties. Unfortunately many of the bipartisan points were scuttled, including a very important provision for my district, and many of the issues for which there is not as strong a consensus are now being advanced. I don't question the commitment to small businesses of those supporting or not supporting H. Res. 22. I do however question whether or not this strategy is conducive to what we really need to be doing as a committee and as a Congress in advancing the interests of our small business community, particularly those issues on which we all agree.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that would resolve an issue of tax compliance between the United States Department of the Treasury and the governments of Guam and the United States Virgin Islands. This legislation addresses concerns regarding the coordination of the payment of the Earned Income Credit, EIC, and Child Tax Credit, CTC, to qualifying taxpayers within these jurisdictions. The tax codes of Guam and the Virgin Islands mirror that of the Internal Revenue Code, IRC, and taxpayers in these jurisdictions file their annual returns with their respective local departments of revenue and taxation in lieu of filing with the Internal Revenue Service. The revenue and taxation departments of Guam and the Virgin Islands must incorporate all provisions of the IRC related to individual and business taxes for their respective taxpayers, including provisions authorizing tax credits such as the EIC and the CTC. Revenues are retained by local treasuries, which they may use to cover the costs of operating local government agencies and providing for public services. The coordination of the EIC and CTC is problematic because it requires the treasuries of Guam and the Virgin Islands to pay ``refundable'' portions of these credits, or those amounts that exceed an individual taxpayer's total tax liability. While I support the EIC and CTC and believe that low-income taxpayers in my district should be able to receive this form of tax relief, requiring the treasuries of Guam and the Virgin Islands to cover all ``refundable'' portions of these credits constitutes an unfunded federal mandate. In theory, the amount of such credit that exceeds an individual taxpayers total tax liability is meant to offset the impact of FICA taxes on low-income individuals. While residents of Guam and Virgin Islands pay their FICA taxes to the U.S. Treasury, the territorial treasuries are tasked with covering the cost of the ``refundable'' portion of this credit out of local revenues. Our cashstrapped treasuries are simply incapable of covering the amount of claimed credit, which constitutes between 6 to 8 percent of all tax revenues in Guam. Congresswoman Christensen and I have been working on a fair resolution to this matter over the past 2 years. We have worked with the Department of the Treasury and the chairmen and ranking members of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees. The legislation I am introducing today is similar to a bill I introduced last year, H.R. 2186, but with several revisions aimed at facilitating implementation. This legislation proposes a fair federal-territorial cost sharing arrangement which will allow low income citizens in the territories who pay FICA taxes to realize the same tax benefits as their counterparts in the 50 States and the District of Columbia without bankrupting the local treasuries of Guam and the Virgin Islands. I look forward to working with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Thomas and Ranking Member Rangel on this legislation.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I join with fellow Catholics around the world in mourning the death of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The world has seen the passing of a great man dedicated to peace throughout the world. His actions reflected his preaching of love, healing and forgiveness, advocating for peace and reaching out to other faith traditions. Despite turmoil and controversy, he held fast to his beliefs, gaining the respect of many around the world, even those who did not agree with him. His teachings will be remembered by millions and his influence will guide world leaders for years to come. Throughout his ministry, he remained firm in his beliefs, leading by word and deed, fearless in his efforts to spread the Gospel of Christ. He believed in the inalienable right and dignity of the human person from conception through the moment of death. He was unafraid to shape world events, speaking passionately for peace and advocating for human rights. From his early years during the Nazi occupation of Poland where he risked his life to protect Polish Jews from persecution to his forgiveness of his would-be assassin, he has led by example, in faith and humility. His steadfast support of the Solidarity movement in his homeland of Poland provided hope and encouragement to the Polish people and led to peaceful government reforms that precipitated the collapse of communism in Poland and the eventual fall of the Soviet Union, bringing freedom to millions of people. As these events were unfolding, Pope John Paul II was also reaching out to other parts of the world, using his influence to bring about change. Through his efforts, he helped reduce tensions between world leaders, advocating for peace and justice. He sought to heal divisions across the different faith traditions, promoting reconciliation and dialogue between members to further understanding and respect for all people. Pope John Paul II traveled all over the world. For millions, his visits would be the only opportunity to see a pope in person. Despite his afflictions of arthritis and Parkinson's disease, the Holy Father continued to travel the world, bringing hope and encouragement to the millions still oppressed by tyranny, hunger, disease and despair. Pope John Paul II was especially dear to the people of Guam. He was the only Pope to visit Guam and he mesmerized our people with his dignity, kindness and sincerity. From his first words upon his arrival, spoken in the native Chamorro language, and throughout his short visit, his presence brought a spiritual renewal to the island's Catholics, many of whom camped overnight in streets and parking lots near the plaza where he was to say Mass. On February 23, 1981, tens of thousands of people gathered at the Plaza de Espana in Agana, Guam, to attend the service and receive his blessing. The crowd was captivated by this gentle man who spoke passionately of his love for God and his love for humanity, praising the dedication of Catholics in Guam and Micronesia for their faithfulness while reminding them that their faith should be practiced in all that they do. He then took time to comfort the elderly and the sick in our hospital who were unable to attend his Mass, blessing and encouraging them with his words, ``You are the strongest among all of us, who build the church through your suffering.'' It was an awesome sight to see children with their parents and grandparents, religious and government leaders, gathered to welcome the Holy Father, to celebrate Mass and to bid him farewell as he departed our island. His visit marked a turning point for Catholics in Micronesia. In 1984, three years after his visit, the Pontiff honored our island and the Chamorro people with the elevation of the Diocese of Agana to a Metropolitan Archdiocese, naming the late Bishop Felixberto C. Flores, the first Chamorro Bishop, the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana and appointing another Chamorro, Father Anthony S. Apuron as Auxiliary Bishop. A year later, he approved the creation of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and appointed Monsignor Tomas A. Camacho, a Chamorro and a native of Saipan, as its first Bishop. Also in 1984, the Holy Father announced the beatification of Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, the Jesuit priest who brought Christianity to Guam and was later martyred for baptizing the child of a Chamorro chief. Over two hundred people from Guam went on the pilgrimage to Rome to attend the beatification ceremony. Although he would not return to the island before his passing, his visit will never be forgotten. From the street named in his honor, Chalan Santo Papa Juan Pablo Dos, to the bronze statue erected to commemorate his visit, the people of Guam will always remember this man of faith and vision who taught us ``not to be content to boast of a glorious heritage from the past without turning to the demands of the present moment.'' Rather, we must put our faith into practice each and every day, seeking more effective ways to proclaim the message of love to all those we meet. Pope John Paul II was beloved by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Through the many challenges confronting the Catholic faith and the world, Pope John Paul II as the Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pastor of the Catholic Church was the rock of the Church and the conscience of the world. At his passing, we mourn the loss of a great person. For Catholics, we take comfort in the knowledge that he is at peace with God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in heaven. On behalf of the people of Guam, ``Adios Santo Papa yan in guiya hao.''

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and commend Mr. George K. Lai on being named 2005 Guam Small Businessperson of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration. George Lai's hard work and perserverance embody the spirit of the American Dream, and the SBA could not have selected a more worthy recipient. Like many of this Nation's great entrepreneurs, George came to the United States as an immigrant. Having grown up in Hong Kong with very little formal education in the English language, he worked hard to take advantage of opportunities for formal secondary education in Guam. After graduating from Guam's John F. Kennedy High School with honors, George gained admission to Texas Agriculture and Mining University, where he earned a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering in 1982. After several years of working for Dower Schlumberger, a Houston-based oil service company, he and his wife, Deborah Larsen Lai, moved back to Guam and established Quality Distributors in 1986. Quality Distributors has since become the largest food wholesaler on the island. George has provided sound leadership for Quality Distributors, which led to its awarding as ``New Contractor of the Year'' by the Defense Logistics Agency in 2002. Quality Distributors was subsequently awarded ``Prime Vendor of the Year'' by the Defense Supplies Center of Philadelphia in 2003 in recognition of its outstanding performance in the Pacific Region. Under George's leadership, Quality Distributors has continued to provide efficient wholesale services to local retailers and value to Federal procurement officers. Because of this sound business leadership, Quality Distributors helps foster local economic growth and new jobs. In addition to providing business leadership, George is an active participant in local trade organizations that work to enhance the overall competitiveness of firms located in Guam. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association and for the Guam Environmental Protection Agency; as Vice President of the Chinese Merchant Association; and has maintained an active role in the Guam Chamber of Commerce and Guam Visitors Bureau. He has also supported the Guam community by serving as Treasurer and Director of Finance for the Guam Football and Soccer Association and as Chairman of the Women's National Soccer Team. George has also been generous in providing corporate sponsorships for important programs supporting public education, youth sports, and disaster relief in the Pacific Region. George is a business leader, an inspiration for us all, and an individual deeply committed to utilizing his talents for the benefit of the entire Guam community. I congratulate George for being selected as the 2005 Guam Small Businessperson of the Year. Our island celebrates his national recognition with his wife Deborah and daughters Samantha and Breanna. George, we are all proud of you and we wish you continued success.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 119, recognizing the many contributions of the United States Marine Corps and other U.S. Armed Forces on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) for introducing this important resolution. Iwo Jima stands out as one of the defining moments in the Battle of the Pacific and is one of the defining moments in the history of the United States Marine Corps. The Marines fought in World War II for over 3\1/2\ years, yet in the span of just 1 month in Iwo Jima, they suffered nearly one-third of their total deaths. This heroic sacrifice ensured the freedom and liberty that we enjoy today. The people of Guam have a special understanding of the kind of valor and heroism demonstrated by the U.S. Marine Corps during the Battle of the Pacific in World War II, for it was the Marines who led the charge in the liberation of our own island from the Japanese occupation. The Marines, fighting in defense of freedom, brought hope to the Chamorro people of Guam in a time of great oppression and fear. Last year I joined nearly 50 Marines who took part in the liberation of Guam in laying a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery to honor their great sacrifice and courage on behalf of our grateful people. I will be joining the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) on a trip to Iwo Jima to pay tribute to the U.S. Marines for this, the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) is not able to make it to the floor to speak on this resolution as he is currently in a veterans hearing in the Senate, but I do know that he, too, is very supportive, and will include his statement for the Record.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that would provide greater access to an important tool for the development and growth of small businesses in Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). My legislation would expand the areas currently designated by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) to cover the insular areas in their entirety. Not only would this legislation provide an important tool for small business growth in these economically disadvantaged areas, it would correct issues of implementation related to the current one-size-fits all criteria for designating HUBZones. This criteria disadvantages small businesses in the insular areas. Currently, only those zones in the insular areas designated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as ``qualified census tracts,'' are recognized by the SBA as HUBZones. Many additional zones in the insular areas would also be designated HUBZones under the program's ``qualified `non-metropolitan county''' criteria, as is the case in the 50 States, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, if not for technical issues of implementation. A principal factor of eligibility under the ``qualified 'nonmetropolitan county''' criteria is a high level of unemployment in a given county. The insular areas do not subdivide into counties, nor does the Bureau of Labor Statistics collect Local Area Unemployment Statistics for Guam. Therefore, firms located in a number of financially distressed areas in these jurisdictions are deprived of the opportunity to participate in the HUBZone program, as no alternative formula is used for the ``qualified `non-metropolitan county' '' criteria in the insular areas. The purpose of this legislation is to support economic self- sufficiency in Guam and the insular areas by helping small businesses located in these jurisdictions to effectively compete for federal contract work. Over the past several years, the SBA's HUBZone program has been one of the most successful vehicles for directing federal contracts and subcontracting dollars to locally-owned small businesses. I am confident that the expertise exists among small businesses in the insular areas to successfully meet federal contracting needs, particularly for local projects. Universal HUBZone designation throughout the insular areas would provide incentives for federal agencies to utilize local firms. Considering the relative geographic isolation and unique economic challenges encountered in these areas, and the problems associated with implementing all provisions of the law in the insular areas, it makes sense to designate the entirety of these jurisdictions as HUBZones. I look forward to working with Mr. Manzullo and Ms. Velazquez on this legislation.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues and our Nation in honoring the life and legacy of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and to express our condolences to his family and the people of Lebanon. A true patriot and dedicated public servant, Prime Minister Hariri devoted his life to his country and his people, working to rebuild Lebanon after its civil war and contributing millions to programs to improve the lives of the Lebanese people. He was well-respected by the international community for his efforts to build a free and independent Lebanon as evidenced by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 affirming the right of the people of Lebanon to choose their leaders free from intimidation, terror and foreign occupation. Sadly he will not see his hope realized. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims of the February 14th attack.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer 2nd Class Angela San Nicolas Quihuiz, a distinguished Chamorro sailor recently selected as the Military Sealift Command, MSCPAC, Shore Sailor of the Year. Throughout her career, Angela's commitment to excellence, professionalism, and exemplary performance has been consistently recognized by her superiors. Angela is the daughter of Annie Toves San Nicolas, formerly of Agana Heights, and Michael Gonzalez Quihuiz, formerly of Phoenix, AZ. Though she and her daughter Kambrea A. Quihuiz currently reside in Chula Vista, CA, Angela still deeply values and respects her Chamorro heritage and visits Guam frequently. Angela enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1998 and currently serves as the MILDET Junior Yeoman for the MSCPAC in San Diego, CA. She has been recognized for her exemplary service on numerous occasions, receiving a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, a Navy Unit Commendation Medal, a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Navy Good Conduct Medal with one bronze star, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and a Navy Recruiting Service Ribbon. She was named the Sailor of the Quarter, First Quarter 2001 while serving aboard the USS John C. Stennis. Angela's dedication, determination and enthusiasm has made her an integral part of many operations. She currently serves as the Awards Yeoman, Temporary Additional Duty Travel Coordinator, Leave Clerk, and Muster Petty Officer, supporting over 140 afloat military personnel in 19 forward deployed MSCPAC ships in the Pacific. I commend Angela for her hard work and dedication to our country and express my sincere congratulations on being chosen as the Military Sealift Command Shore Sailor of the Year. As a native daughter of Guam, Angela serves as a model of success and brings great pride to our island and our people.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. I would like to thank Chairman Hyde, Ranking Member Lantos, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, and Congressman McCotter for initiating this resolution urging the European Union to maintain its arms embargo on the People's Republic of China. I rise today to give my strong support to this resolution. The arms embargo we are discussing today was placed on the People's Republic of China in response to the massacre at the Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989. That singular event succinctly demonstrated the oppression of those who suffer under a closed society like the PRC. They suffered on that fateful day at the hands of a brutal suppression. I urge our European friends to uphold their principled stand against arms sales as they opposed arming Eastern Germany and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. At that time it was the safety of Europe that hung in the balance. Now it is the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region that is at stake. The gathering of students and peaceful protesters at Tiananmen Square that summer represented a value we in this country hold dear: the right to freely assemble. If you believe in that freedom, then don't lift the embargo. Let us remember the graphic image of the lone protester stopping a line of People's Liberation Army tanks on a Beijing highway. How will the governments of Europe explain that the next time this occurs the People's Liberation Army could be using French or German tanks to quell a protest for democracy? One member of the PRC government recognized the plight of the Chinese people on that fateful day and had the courage to admit that the brutal suppression was a shameful tragedy. General Secretary Zhao Ziyang was then stripped of power and placed under house arrest until his recent passing. It is forbidden to discuss his heroism in China, but here on the floor of Congress we can be candid because we enjoy the right to free speech that the people of China do not. In his memory, I urge the good nations of Europe to recognize that the work begun by the protesters at Tiananmen is not done. I admit that I have personal interest in keeping the arms embargo in place. The People's Republic of China has had a history of aggressive military acquisition. These forces may someday threaten our allies in the Asia-Pacific region. It was only recently that a Chinese submarine was detected circling our island. I urge the leaders of Europe to look beyond their own self-interest and consider the cause of freedom in making their decision concerning the arms embargo. To this end, I ask my colleagues to vote in favor of House Resolution 57, to urge the European Union to maintain its arms embargo on the People's Republic of China.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 23, honoring the contributions of Catholic schools to the intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical, and social development of children in Guam and throughout our Nation. As we celebrate 2005 Catholic Schools Week with the spirit of ``Faith in Every Student,'' I would like to thank Mr. Kennedy for introducing this resolution that helps draw national attention to the important role of Catholic Schools. Roman Catholicism has a long history in Guam dating back to 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan landed on the island. In 1668, Blessed Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores arrived in Guam, establishing a mission in the village of Hagatna. This became the site of the first Catholic Church and is now the seat of the Archdiocese of Agana. In the modern era, Bishop Apollinaris Baumgartner, OFM Cap., established the foundations of Guam's Catholic Schools. Guam's first Chamorro Bishop, Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores, OFM Cap., made Catholic education a priority and instilled a tremendous pride in the academic and moral education provided by the Catholic schools. His successor, Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron has continued the tradition of excellence that has been the standard of Catholic Schools in Guam. Today, nearly a quarter of Guamanian school children attend Catholic schools throughout the Island. Catholic schools offering a secondary curriculum include the Notre Dame High School in Talofofo, Father Duenas Memorial School in Tai, and Academy of Our Lady of Guam in Hagatna. Those offering an elementary and middle school education include Bishop Baumgartener Memorial School in Sinajana, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Agat, St. Anthony School in Tamuning, Saint Francis School in Yona, San Vicente School in Barrigada, Santa Barbara School in Dededo, and Dominican School in Yigo. Finally, those offering a nursery school education include the Dominican Child Care Development Center in Ordot, Infant of Prague in Tai, Maria Artero in Agana Heights, and Mercy Heights in Tamuning. I would like to commend the leadership of Archbishop Apuron, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Lea Santos, and Associate Superintendent Sister Ana Lee, OP, for advancing the mission of Catholic Schools in Guam. I would also like to recognize the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Mercy, Dominican Sisters, the religious orders of Capuchins, Franciscans, Jesuits and Marists for their service in educating the children of Guam. Finally, I want to commend all the students, parents, teachers and administrators of Catholic schools in Guam and across the Nation for their contributions to our Nation and our world.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in expressing profound sorrow on the loss of one of this House's most highly respected and widely regarded members, the Honorable Bob Matsui of Sacramento. With his passing, we have lost a national conscience in Congress. Although I had the privilege to serve with him for only 2 of his 26 years of distinguished service in the House, it did not take long for me to realize after arriving here as a freshman, that he was truly a man of distinction. His leadership in many ways was subtle, but firm and strong. I had the honor of serving with him on the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and recognize today, along with many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, his long-standing commitment and contributions to the progress of our communities. It was through his diligence, as many have recounted and memorialized this evening, that healing and justice was brought through the enactment of Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which authorized reparations and a formal apology to surviving Japanese Americans who had been detained in U.S. concentration camps during World War II. This is just but one of the lasting landmark accomplishments of his leadership. On so many other accounts and in so many other ways, he was there for those in need of a voice in Congress. A reliable and true public servant, for the disadvantaged, for our seniors, and for our young Americans, who he inspired with his example and character. Bob Matsui was gifted leader who epitomized the noblest qualities of public service. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Doris and their family and to the people of the fifth District of California.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the late Glenn David Martinez, a member of the ``Greatest Generation'' who passed away earlier this year. Glenn was a proud Chamorro with a great faith in God and a dedication to his island home and his country. Glenn was a fighter pilot during World War II serving in the Pacific theater with the U.S. Army Air Corps, now known as the U.S. Air Force. It is with great sadness that I inform this body of his death. In honor of his memory, I am submitting for the Record a special tribute to Glenn written by his close friend, Mr. Joe M. Bamba, formerly of Agana Heights, Guam, which was delivered at Glenn's memorial service on Guam. I am indeed privileged and honored to be asked by the family to say a last ``adios to Glenn''. As I tried to assimilate my thoughts to pay our last and final respects to such a fine and wonderful friend, husband, father, grandfather and brother, I wondered sometimes whether I would be able to adequately, truly, and justly convey my thoughts into words which Glenn richly deserves. Although I knew of Glenn's reputation and heroism when we were in Guam, I was more intimately aware of Glenn, the person, when he relocated and lived in South Florida. There, we developed an exceptional kinship and fellowship. We shared few secrets here and there and we belonged to a group of fellow Guamanians in the area. In fact, he was the most eligible bachelor at that time. He was a sensitive, real down to earth, and easy to get along guy once you got to know him. He was, however, very selective with whom he wanted to associate. He often spoke of the need for our Chamorros to work together and continue to maintain our customs and culture. In spite of his exploits and feats in the service of his country during World War II, you never heard him brag of such heroic accomplishments. In other words, in our vernacular, TI BANIDOSO. He was one of the few Guamanian Officers of the ``Greatest Generation'' in the service of his island home and country. Because of his health situation and ultimately his death, he would never see the beautiful and hallowed national World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the World War II veterans. As a veteran, Glenn could have opted to be buried at the venerated and internationally renowned Arlington National Cemetery, but instead he decided to make Guam his final resting place and to be near his family who predeceased him. As the saying goes, you can remove a Guamanian from Guam, but you cannot remove Guam from a Guamanian. When Glenn left South Florida to visit Guam, he returned and brought with him his new wife, Chilang. At that time, we were celebrating the Guam Liberation Day Festivities. He introduced Chilang as ``The Wind Behind His Wing'' and she deservedly so earned that title. I talked to Glenn by telephone often during the critical months before he passed on and he politely discouraged us to visit with him. Finally, he agreed to allow my wife and me to see him about a week before he died. We talked about the news of the day and he told me that three months ago, he was playing and enjoying his golf. Not once did he mention the pain he was experiencing so as to make us feel uncomfortable. I observed that he was ready to accept what was terminally happening to his body. For his peace of mind, great credit is due to Chilang; his daughter, Linda Chuckman and her husband, Alex: the local health professionals, who supported him; and his pastor, Father Jeff McCormick, who consoled and prayed with him. At the memorial service in South Florida, Father Jeff celebrated the service and Alex gave a heart warming and remarkable eulogy for Glenn. Glenn, as a member of the military, you were familiar with the military parlance, ``Permanent Change of Station'', commonly called ``PCS''. You took those orders from your Supreme Commander, that is, the change from living on this earth to one of eternity with your beloved family, who previously passed on and who are with God. Such orders from your Supreme Commander, who is God Himself, have never been countermanded or changed. Glenn, as you leave us mortals behind to join your creator, we cite one of the passages of Matthew, ``Ask and you will receive; Seek and you will find: Knock and it will be opened to you. For the one who asks, receives. The one who seeks, finds. The one who knocks, enters.'' This, my friend, we pray as you enter the Kingdom of God. Adios for now.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2302, which would reauthorize the ``Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program.'' Reauthorization of this important program will help districts that experience shortages with respect to health care professionals, such as Guam, by allowing certain U.S.-trained foreign doctors to remain in the United States to practice medicine in these underserved areas. Like many rural and insular areas, Guam experiences great difficulty attracting and retaining qualified health professionals. The cost of providing health care is higher in Guam than in many areas on the mainland, and incidents of chronic disease are above national averages. The Conrad 30 J-1 visa Waiver Program is an important tool that allows poor, rural and insular areas to meet the health care needs of their communities by permitting International Medical Graduates to maintain their work visas in the United States if they agree to remain in areas defined by the Department of Health and Human Services as Health Professional Shortage Areas or Medically Underserved Areas or Populations. Normally, these foreign physicians would have to return to their respective home countries for 2 years before they could return to the United States to again practice medicine. While I believe priority should always be given to American doctors and health professionals for local hiring, it is clear that there are simply not enough health care professionals to meet demand in underserved areas such as Guam. Without the services of skilled foreign physicians from countries such as the Philippines, it would be difficult for Guam's public health care system to meet the medical needs of our community. S. 2302 reauthorizes a program that has been successful in addressing the issues of recruitment and retention of qualified health professionals in these areas, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the efforts of the Young Men's League of Guam (YMLG) in building community support for the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission and working to bring resolution to a painful era in Guam's history. As Guam's oldest fraternal organization, the Young Men's League of Guam, in conjunction with the Mayor's Council of Guam, has taken a lead role in building community consensus on the issue of Guam War Claims following the presentation of the Guam War Claims Review Commission report to Congress on June 9, 2004. YMLG and the Mayor's Council collected 1,800 signatures in a petition to the President, Congress, and local leaders requesting Congressional action to bring closure to the horrific experiences endured by the people of Guam, demonstrating broad support within our community for resolving the issue of Guam War Claims. YMLG advocates quick action on the recommendations of the Review Commission's report to bring closure for the remaining survivors of the occupation. YMLG President and Chairman Dr. Jose T. Nededog and other YMLG leaders have championed the cause of bringing recognition and justice to those who experienced the occupation. Dr. Nededog, who lost his older brother in the Fena cave massacre during the occupation, is like many Chamorros, who after enduring enemy occupation went on to proud careers of service in the U.S. military. Guam is the only United States jurisdiction invaded and occupied by enemy forces since the war of 1812. Over 8,000 Chamorros suffered personal injury, including rape, beatings, forced labor, forced march and internment, and approximately 1,000 were killed at the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army. YMLG is concerned that many of those who survived the brutal 32 month occupation are passing away before the issue of War Claims is fully resolved. I commend Dr. Nededog, the Young Men's League of Guam, and the Mayor's Council of Guam for being a voice for the survivors of the occupation of Guam and for actively engaging in the effort to bring closure to the issue of Guam war claims. I welcome their support and encouragement and look forward to moving this issue through the U.S. Congress. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to submit for the Record a copy of the Young Men's League of Guam Resolution No. 01-04 ``Relative to Expressing Strong Support to the Recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission for the Chamorro People.'' Resolution No. 01-04 Whereas, the Young Men's League of Guam is the oldest Chamorro fraternal organization on Guam, established in 1917; and Whereas, members of the League are replete with great leaders of Guam who determined the destiny of Guam and its people; and Whereas, the majority of the members of the League and their families have experienced the atrocities of the Japanese occupation of Guam during World War II; and Whereas, the majority of the members of the League have testified before the Guam War Claims Review Commission during their visit to Guam to secure testimonies from the Cbamorro people who experienced the atrocities of the Japanese occupation; and Whereas, the Board of Directors and the Council of Elders of the League were elected at large by the general membership; and Whereas, the Board of Directors and the Council of Elders are representatives of the General membership with the fiduciary responsibility of overseeing the general welfare and well being of the members: Now, therefore be it Resolved, That the Young Men's League of Guam totally supports the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission that would bring closure to the long awaited recognition for the undue suffering of the Chamorro people through Japanese atrocities during World War II because of their dedication and loyalty to America; and be it further Resolved, That the Young Men's League of Guam requests the Guam Legislature and the Governor of Guam to jointly support the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Porter amendment. Throughout this important debate, emphasis has been placed on the need to ensure information is shared within the intelligence community. As we conclude this debate, we now have before us an amendment that would ensure information on the private sector is also made a part of the process and taken into consideration in the formulation of homeland security policy. The facts speak for themselves. The travel and tourism industry has a considerable impact on the U.S. economy--adding nearly 5 percent to the GDP, generating more than half a billion dollars in revenues, supporting more than 17 million jobs, and providing a $14 million trade surplus for our country. Mr. Chairman, an overwhelming number of the businesses in travel and tourism are small- to medium-sized enterprises. Therefore, I believe DHS should be especially cognizant of its policy and regulatory impact on the travel and tourism industry. Whether it is our aviation industry, the aircraft designers or the airline employees on the flight line, the hotel industry, or our amusement parks, we need homeland security policy that will effectively provide for the safety of our citizens and the economic vitality of our most important industries. We should not put ourselves in a position where in an effort to protect our infrastructure, we shut down the very use of transportation services we are trying to protect. In my district, Guam, like Nevada, tourism is a leading industry in the private sector. Post-September 11 policies have already shown a major impact on businesses in my district. What this amendment does, is ensure this impact is assessed and considered inside DHS when developing policy. If you believe economic security ultimately underpins our national security, then you should vote for the Porter amendment. The vitality and sustainability of the travel and tourism industry is a national economic necessity. Consumer confidence in travel and in the economy is needed. Safety and security in travel is key to this consumer confidence. By elevating the Special Assistant to an Under Secretary and by encouraging coordination with local governments and the Commerce Department, the Porter amendment gives DHS the authority it needs to craft and execute policy to achieve these goals. I thank the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter) for his leadership, I urge adoption of his amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of this resolution, of which I am an original cosponsor. I too commend the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for introducing this measure to bring appropriate Congressional recognition to the 60h Anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu. The Battle of Peleliu was one of the fiercest fought in the Pacific theater during the greatest war of the last century. The fall of Japan's first line of defense in New Guinea, the Marshalls and the Marianas in 1944 precipitated the Allied advance to the strongholds in Japan's second defense line. Located within this line was the Palau island chain. U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur, wanting to free Palau from enemy control before beginning operations in the Philippines, convinced President Franklin Roosevelt to approve his strategy to win the war in the Pacific. What followed would be a ferocious battle on the island of Peleliu and Angaur in the Palau island chain lasting more than two months and costing thousands of lives. Earlier this month, we marked the 60th Anniversary of D-Day on Peleliu, on September 15th. On that day in 1944, the Marines of the 1st Marine Division landed on the western beaches of Peleliu to free the Palauan people from control by the Axis powers and to advance the cause of freedom against tyranny. The costs of the battle were high, the conflict intense. The Army's 81st Infantry Division was later called upon to relieve the 1st Marine Division. Of the nineteen Medals of Honor awarded to Marines of the 1st Division in the Pacific, eight were won on Peleliu. U.S. Forces endured over 10,000 casualties; over 12,000 Japanese soldiers were killed in action; and many innocent Palauan lives were caught and lost in the conflict. Today, the Battle of Peleliu is recognized as one of World War II's most important campaigns. The Republic of Palau today is an independent nation that maintains a special relationship with the United States, embodied in a Compact of Free Association that is a testament to the shared principles of freedom and peace. This resolution is a strong and timely tribute to the veterans of the Battle of Peleliu. Passage of this resolution will bring appropriate Congressional recognition to the friendship between the Republic of Palau and the United States, and serve as an expression of support for the Department of the Interior's cooperative work with the people of Palau to protect the historic sites of the Peleliu Battlefield.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3479 was introduced to provide a more coordinated and consistent approach in dealing with the brown tree snake, which has decimated native bird populations in Guam since its accidental introduction following World War II. Today, the brown tree snake poses a direct threat to the environment and economies of the Mariana Islands and the Hawaiian Islands, and to a lesser extent, Coastal California, the Gulf States, and the Caribbean. If not effectively contained in Guam, the brown tree snake could prove to be devastating should it make its way further outside its native and historic range. The brown tree snake, whose scientific name is Boiga irregularis, is especially prone to tropical climate and with no natural predators can virtually destroy an ecosystem. This invasive species has already irrevocably harmed Guam's environment. With the level of military and commercial air and sea traffic between Guam and points in the Pacific Region, including Saipan and Honolulu, increasing on an almost daily basis, the need for effective control of the brown tree snake correspondingly rises. For over a decade, a Federal partnership has existed with the Government of Guam and the State of Hawaii in preventing the brown tree snake's transport off Guam. This partnership emerged following the introduction of the first legislation in Congress dealing with the brown tree snake. That measure was H.R. 4804 in the 101st Congress, introduced by former Congresswoman Patricia Saiki (Hawaii) and former Congressman Ben Blaz (Guam), whose purpose was eventually incorporated into and enacted as part of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990. H.R. 3479 builds upon this law by providing more programmatic authorization and direction for the Federal elements of the overall partnership to combat the brown tree snake. The legislation provides funding authority for eleven specific authorized activities relating to control, interdiction, research and eradication. It authorizes appropriations for five offices and agencies under the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to support and coordinate the different elements of this overall work. Apart from these two cabinet level agencies, it is expected that strong support and cooperation will continue to come from the Department of Defense, who has a major stake in reducing brown tree snake populations on military installations in Guam and in preventing the accidental or incidental transport of the brown tree snake off Guam. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has been at the center of this partnership, with its Wildlife Services operating a program to screen outbound cargo at the airport and seaport for brown tree snakes. This partnership has proven effective at interdicting snakes, although stands to gain much more Federal backing and resources in order to ultimately succeed in its mission. In recent years the program has struggled to keep up with the pace of outbound flights and surface cargo. H.R. 3479 would provide for specific authorization levels to maintain strong and consistent Federal funding for this program. From this perspective, I believe H.R. 3479 is a cost-saving measure for the Federal Government in the long run. If our guard is let down, and the program becomes inevitably unable to keep up with the demand of increased inspections, the value of all the inspections conducted to date and the value of all Federal resources invested to date lessens and becomes jeopardized in its entirety. Should the snake ever become established in Hawaii, the responsibility and need to control for it in yet another location would ensue, causing the expenditure of additional Federal funds. The costs of the adverse impact to the economy of any local community hit by the introduction of the brown tree snake would be beyond estimating and difficult to bear. Apart from the concern over consistent and adequate year-to-year Federal funding for interdiction, is the larger, more long-term concern about controlling for the snake to restore and protect Guam's environment. To date, efforts have largely focused, with limited and inconsistent resources, on interdiction. I believe more can and should be devoted towards protecting Guam's environment and native species. I believe brown tree snake control work carried out on Guam should be tied to, consistent with, and made an integral component of species recovery efforts. In this regard, I am pleased H.R. 3479 provides a specific authorization of appropriations for the Fish and Wildlife Service to participate in this partnership. I would also note that this legislation provides for research authorization with the long-term goal of eradication and with the near-term focus on large-scale reduction. H.R. 3479 also provides important direction and purpose for the Brown Tree Snake Technical Working Group that has convened over the years to provide a forum for the partners across the levels of government to coordinate their efforts. The legislation outlines specific duties and activities for the working group, including the evaluation of Federal activity and funding. It is hoped that the working group's evaluation and reporting would provide Congress with authoritative and useful information to consider in the appropriations process. Furthermore, I believe the five-year authorization period contained within the legislation can yield a process by which we are able to evaluate the progress of the work. Without the direction and authorization embodied in this legislation, I am concerned that the Federal Government will forever be engaged in an effort to prevent the brown tree snake from leaving Guam, and will likely prove unsuccessful in the long run. Without this legislation, I am also concerned that future efforts will be focused on interdiction and interdiction alone at the expense of Guam's environmental and economic interests. Although, not all provisions of the bill as introduced have been retained in the version before the House today, I am pleased that we have been able to craft a product that I believe will encourage more direction, coordination and consistency in year-to-year funding for brown tree snake interdiction, control, research, and eradication efforts. I look forward to continuing to work with the leadership of the committees with jurisdiction to enact this legislation.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, since the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the island of Guam, whose residents I have the privilege of representing here in Congress, has been a territory of the United States and a part of the American family. The Department of the Navy administered the U.S. Territory of Guam from the time the island was ceded to the United States under the terms of the Treaty of Paris until December 8, 1941, when, during World War II, Imperial Japanese military forces attacked, invaded and then occupied Guam. The attack on Guam occurred only hours following the December 7, 1941, Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, at the time also a territory of the United States; the different dates owing to the International Date Line. The enemy occupation of Guam lasted approximately two-and-a-half years, from December 10, 1941 until July 21, 1944. The occupation was a time of tremendous hardship for the Chamorro people, the indigenous people of Guam. The people of Guam, who were U.S. nationals at the time, remained steadfastly loyal to the United States. Residents of the island, who numbered approximately 22,000, were subjected to forced labor, forced marches and deprivation at the hands of an enemy corroborating with the Axis forces. In the weeks prior to liberation, which came on July 21, 2004, the brutality of the occupying army increased with severe beatings and public executions. Groups of Chamorro men, women, and children were herded into caves on separate occasions and massacred. The entire population was forced to march to several internment camps in the southern part of the island. On July 21, 1944, units of the 3rd Marine Division, 77th Army Infantry Division and 1st Marine Provisional Brigade, comprising a total force of roughly 55,000 service members, stormed the shores of Asan and Agat in southern Guam beginning the campaign to liberate the only American community to have been occupied by a foreign power since the War of 1812. Thirteen consecutive days of heavy naval and air bombardment preceded the landing of U.S. forces to weaken Japanese defense of the island. Intense and fierce combat between the U.S. forces and the entrenched Japanese Army, which numbered 18,500 men, continued until August 10, 1944, when organized resistance ended and the U.S. forces seized control of the island. The Battle for Guam was marked by combat on difficult terrain against a well-prepared enemy. The Japanese defended the island from positions located in caves, tunnels, and from pillboxes situated on the beaches, cliffs, and hillsides overlooking the invasion beaches. Today, these beaches and many of these defensive positions are preserved within the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, established by Congress in 1978 (Public Law 95-348). This Park is the only site in the National Park System that honors the bravery and sacrifices of all individuals, service members and civilians, who experienced World War II in the Pacific Theater. Over 1,100 Chamorros died as a result of the occupation of Guam, and every Chamorro endured one form or another of brutality, including personal injury, forced labor, forced march or internment during the occupation. Approximately 1,800 U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen were killed in action during the Battle for Guam. There were over 8,000 U.S. casualties. The Japanese suffered over 17,500 casualties, the large majority of which ended in death. Today, Guam remains a territory of the United States. Congress extended U.S. citizenship to the people of Guam after World War II in 1950 (Public Law 81-630). Guam's current economy is largely tied to the Japanese economy given the proximity of the two and the importance of Japanese tourism to the island. The one million Japanese tourists the people of Guam welcome each year is a testament to the peace and friendship that has emerged between the United States and Japan since the end of World War II. The people of Guam remain an important part of this international friendship. H. Res. 737 recognizes the Liberation of Guam on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary. In doing so, the resolution calls attention to the unique experience endured by the people of Guam and the extraordinary heroism displayed by the U.S. service members who took part in the battle to recapture Guam. The resolution further encourages the American people to commemorate the Liberation of Guam and to observe the anniversary of the battles of the Pacific Theater during World War II. Lastly, the resolution requests the Secretary of the Interior to establish commemorative programs honoring the liberators and the people of Guam at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. These commemorations, which precede the commemorations next year of the 60th Anniversary of the end of the War in the Pacific, give context to the extensive and difficult Pacific campaign. I believe this Congressional recognition of the Liberation of Guam will enhance public understanding of and appreciation for the occupation experience of the people of Guam and the heroism of the liberators who took part in the battle to recapture Guam. I want to draw attention to the commendable efforts of the National Park Service, and, specifically, the efforts led by the personnel at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, that have been made to date in the development of programs to commemorate the Liberation of Guam. These efforts notably include the recent enhancement of the Park's official Web site that now provides Internet access to many historical publications and approximately 700 historical photographs. These efforts are important in the absence of a restored museum and visitor contact facility following Supertyphoon Pongsona, which damaged Park property in December 2002. I encourage the continuation and expansion of such efforts consistent with the Park's mission. I also encourage a concerted effort to seek input from residents of Guam and veterans of World War II in the development of these and future commemorative programs. Today, the Liberation of Guam is one of the most important commemorations held annually on the island. Liberation Day on Guam is a time of remembrance and celebration. The people of Guam commemorate the sacrifices of those who endured the occupation and those who gave their lives to liberate the island, and we celebrate the triumph of our people over adversity and oppression. As we move forward from July 21, 2004 to the 61st Anniversary on July 21, 2005, it is my hope we all reflect on our freedom and remember the sacrifices of those that came before us. I know this House has long been reminded of the Guam story. My predecessors, Mr. Won Pat, Mr. Blaz, and Mr. Underwood, would often take to the floor to speak to this body about the significance of Guam's role in World War II, the greatest conflict of the last century. Through their efforts the story of Guam's occupation and liberation has found its place in the national history of World War II. I, like they, seek to protect this history, to educate our country about our experience, and to bring appropriate and due recognition for our people and our veterans.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, first I would like to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Chairman Gilchrest) for his very kind words in support of this measure. As this is the last in a number of the Committee on Resources' bills to come to the floor today, I want to also take the opportunity to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), ranking member, for the largely bipartisan and cooperative nature by which they conduct the committee's business. Such has been my experience as a freshman, and I am very proud to serve on the committee with them. I want to especially thank them and their staff for their assistance with this bill. The Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Act of 2004 will bring more Federal attention and cooperative support for dealing with the critical ecological threat in the Pacific region, the brown tree snake, a harmful invasive species. The cooperation directed in this legislation will actually save the Federal Government money by coordinating Federal activities more efficiently and focusing on the goal of eradication. H.R. 3479 has been a joint and collaborative effort between myself and the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Case) and the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie). Together we have worked successfully with stakeholders in our district to produce a good bill. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Chairman Gilchrest) for his support and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), ranking member, and their staff, for their support and due diligence in this process. I also want to extend my appreciation to the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Goodlatte); the ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm); and their staff for working with us on the provisions under the Committee on Agriculture's jurisdiction. H.R. 3479 recognizes that a coordinated effort on the part of the public and private sectors with requisite accountability is essential to the successful prevention, control, and management of the brown tree snake. With the support of the House today, we can get the direction and resources needed to step up the level of protection for the ecological and economic interests of Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands, Hawaii, and the mainland of the United States.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we have no objection to the consideration of this measure.

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