Madeleine Bordallo

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) for managing this bill today. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2993, a bill that will authorize the United States Mint to circulate quarter dollar coins depicting an important design representative of the District of Columbia and each respective United States territory. Guam has long sought to be represented on the back of the quarter dollar coin in the same manner as the States do. And I guess I will say, Mr. Speaker, that perseverance does pay off eventually. It has been many years, and I thank the gentlewoman from District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), as well as the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. King), and the ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), for their leadership in guiding this legislation to the floor today. This legislation was championed by the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle). The Commemorative Coin Act was passed in 1997 authorizing the minting of 50 commemorative coin designs representing the unique culture and history of each respective State. The intention was to foster pride amongst citizens of each State, greater appreciation for the diversity of our Nation, and instill a sense of national unity. While this program has been a true success, I am pleased that we now come together to ensure that the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are equally recognized. H.R. 2993 will help educate the public that the territories are recognized as being part of the United States, in addition to guaranteeing that our Nation's own capital city is honored. Many people are confused as to the relationship of Guam and the territories to the United States of America. By authorizing United States currency representative of the territories, we can educate our country and the world about the vast reach of our Nation and foster a better understanding about its culture and ethnic diversity. Guam has a rich and patriotic history, and I support any effort that generates more interest in learning about our islands. Guam is an island approximately 3,500 miles southwest of Hawaii and is the southernmost island of the Marianas chain. With a population of 160,000, the island of Guam is home to two of the Nation's most important and strategic military bases, the Navy's COMNAVMAR base and Andersen Air Force Base. Natives of Guam, or Chamorros, are proud of their unique cultural heritage. Guam has always been a true melting pot since it was first traversed by Europeans upon the arrival of Magellan in the early 16th century. After serving for centuries as a major stop-off point along the Spanish galleon trade route, Guam was ceded to the United States in 1898 after the defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American War. Since that time, Guam has served as an important gateway to the Pacific and an important center for commerce and cultural exchange between the United States and Asia. During World War II, Guam was occupied by Japanese imperial forces from 1941 to 1944. However, citizens of Guam proudly and defiantly affirmed their patriotism to the United States. When American forces arrived in 1944 in its push to win the war in the Pacific, patriots of Guam boarded small boats and paddled out to Navy warships volunteering to join forces to defeat the Japanese. Our island was liberated by the United States Marines and soldiers on July 21, 1944; and soon after, Congress granted United States citizenship to the people of Guam. It is important to the people on Guam to gain greater recognition as being part of the United States of America. Guamanians have fought valiantly in every American conflict since being incorporated into the United States. Guam had the highest per capita number of deaths in the Vietnam conflict. Guamanians are proud and patriotic, and H.R. 2993 honors their contribution to American valor and culture. So I do, Mr. Speaker, encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 2993.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 522, which is an important measure outlining the need for more awareness and education about heart disease, particularly as it affects women. I commend the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) for his initiative and leadership on this important women's health issue. Like the country as a whole, heart disease is the leading cause of death on my island of Guam. However, heart disease is increasingly becoming an issue for island women, as the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) just pointed out with his statistics among minorities. In fact, a recent Centers for Disease Control study indicates that heart disease is responsible for 214 deaths per 100,000 women on Guam. This is a staggering rate, and only through greater awareness and education can we begin to confront this problem. One of the primary risk factors leading to heart disease in women is diabetes. Studies show that Guam's death rate from diabetes is five times higher than in the mainland. While some diabetes cases can be attributed largely to genetics, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by a combination of early detection and life-style changes. Other life-style changes that women can make that will help reduce the risk of developing heart disease include paying close attention to blood pressure and cholesterol levels, preventing obesity and reviewing family history. Abstaining from smoking and increasing physical activity have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. It is very important that we, as leaders, work hard to educate women that heart disease is not just a health issue for men and that there are many proven life-style changes that women can make to help prevent heart disease. Not only is it important that we as Members of Congress stress the importance of maintaining a healthy life-style to prevent heart disease, but we must continue to support funding to medical researchers and professionals that study these diseases and teachers and public health officials that disseminate such information to women at high risk. Additionally, as studies continue to show, minorities tend to be at greater risk of developing heart disease. We must continue to support studies and uncover the reasons for higher risk in Pacific Islanders and other minorities, and we must provide the necessary resources to ensure parity with regard to education and health care access to high-risk communities. I congratulate again the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) for his hard work on the issue of heart disease among women, and I urge this Congress to not only support House Resolution 522, but to follow through with decisive action.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri for yielding me this time, and I rise today in support of our service men and women who need much more than the words we speak here today to help them in Iraq. As the fires from the most recent terrorist attack today in Baghdad burn against the night sky, I am moved to remember Army Specialist Christopher Jude Rivera Wesley, who died in Iraq, the first Chamorro casualty of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I also want to take time to pay tribute to Army Specialist Hilario Bermanis of the 82nd Airborne Division. He joined the Army from the Federated States of Micronesia, and after losing both legs and his left hand fighting in Iraq, he has now become an American citizen. I visited him at Walter Reed Medical Hospital. One day he might even become a Senator, like Max Cleland, who also sacrificed for his country a generation before him. In my mind, this resolution affirms that we are yet to do everything that we can for our troops. We need the best technology to defend our troops and care for the wounded, the best diplomacy to make sure they do not stay a day longer than they have to, and the courage of our convictions to finish the job.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, over 7,000 miles due west from our Nation's Capitol at a location roughly 2,700 miles southwest from the Hawaiian Islands and 2,000 miles southwest from Guam lies a nation of more than 50,000 people. The Republic of the Marshall Islands comprises 30 atolls and 1,152 islands, an area that in total land mass represents roughly the equivalent in size of Washington, D.C. but straddles an area of about 770,000 square miles of the western Pacific Ocean. Today the people of the Marshall Islands, their culture, their history, their special relationship with the United States, which this resolution seeks to appropriately recognize, is largely unknown and overlooked by most Americans. Their special relationship with the United States is embodied in a Compact of Free Association and the unique partnership the compact establishes between our two nations. Last year, we as a Congress renewed this compact with the Marshalls for another 20 years, and we take this opportunity today to recognize the beginning of a new era in our strategic partnership. I am proud to have taken part in the compact's renewal and in the work on this legislation as a Member of this House. As our colleagues from Hawaii stated last year when the compact legislation was brought to this floor, this may be an issue of little note for many of the Members of the House. It would be easy, he said, to say that the compact represents an area of forgotten people, of the never noticed, perhaps lost in the vastness of the world's largest ocean, a people, a culture, an area that was undiscovered by the Western World until the Spaniards arrived in 1529 seeking a western route for trade. Over the centuries, their culture has flourished and the world has now taken notice. The United States' relationship with the Marshallese began 5 decades ago during World War II. Allied forces, led by the U.S. Navy and Marines, drove the Japanese Imperial forces from their islands. Following the war, U.S. naval bases were established on the atolls of Kwajalein and Majuro. In 1946, Bikini Atoll was the site for Operation Crossroads, the first postwar atomic weapons tests. Fifty years ago this month, the United States detonated the historic Bravo shot, a 15- megaton hydrogen bomb 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. For 12 years, the United States detonated more than 67 nuclear weapons in the Marshalls during the development of our Nation's strategic arsenal. The testing in the Marshalls left a legacy that we continue to address to this day. We recognize the important contributions of the Marshalls in our national security programs, and we know that the Free World owes a debt of gratitude to them for their role in the development of our national strategic deterrent. I am hopeful that we will soon address all these issues that the testing era brought for the benefit of our strategic partnership and special relationship. In January, I was fortunate to have participated in a congressional delegation led by the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo). I was very grateful that he decided to visit the Marshalls as well as other Pacific islands. While in Majuro, we met with President Kessai Note and elected officials from other islands, as well as with the Nuclear Claims Tribunal. This visit was important given the recent renewal of the compact, the anniversary of the Bravo blast, and the security issues facing our world today. The people of the Marshall Islands have made tremendous sacrifices and contributions on behalf of the United States in the pursuit of peace and freedom around the world. Today, the Marshall Islands are among the United States' greatest friends and most reliable allies. I want to recognize and congratulate the Marshalls' Ambassador to the United States for his efforts in strengthening the relationship between our governments, the Honorable Banny de Brum. I also again want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), and the Secretary of Interior, Mrs. Norton, for their leadership in recognizing the value of the strategic partnership with this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I urge its unanimous adoption by this House.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to commend and congratulate KUAM and its staff and management for 50 years of service to the community of Guam. Believe it or not, I was one of KUAM's first employees, starting work at the station 2 weeks before it went on the air. Prior to the advent of KUAM, the only radio service provided in the Marianas was Armed Forces Radio Services, which began broadcasting in Guam shortly after World War II. On March 14, 1954, after almost a decade of broadcasting, Armed Forces Radio Services went off the air at 5:55 p.m. At 6:00 p.m., 5 minutes later, the Star Spangled Banner was broadcast on 610 AM and KUAM radio was born. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first commercial broadcast in Guam and the Marianas. Notable from the first day's broadcast was a congratulatory message from Frank Sinatra, who inadvertently ended his greeting with the Hawaiian Aloha instead of the Chamorro Hafa Adai. An affiliate of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) since its inception, KUAM Radio 610 offered a new community forum for entertainment, education, politics, and commercial advertising. At the time, only 35-55 percent of Guam homes had radios and a 15 second commercial cost as little as $3. The original owner of KUAM was Mr. Harry S. Engel, who owned and managed KVEN in Ventura, California. The idea of opening a radio station in Guam came to him after reading a magazine article about the post-war years of Guam. Two years later, on August 5, 1956, KUAM expanded its services to television, broadcasting a limited range of local and educational programming. Although not every household had a television, KUAM TV8 revolutionized media in Guam, providing a new avenue for communication and entertainment. In addition to a number of local variety shows, KUAM TV8 also broadcast national programming, which was shipped to Guam to be viewed weeks or sometimes months after the original broadcast. In 1970, KUAM TV went color. On September 1, 1966, KUAM added a third outlet to its media family by introducing a radio station on the FM dial. 93.9 FM eventually transformed itself from playing canned music to becoming a rock station with live DJs. In 1989, KUAM 610 changed its name to 610 Estasion Minagof, becoming Guam's first and only all-Chamorro station. Today, KUAM is locally owned and operated by Calvo Enterprises, Inc. as Pacific Telestations, Inc. KUAM's media services now include KUAM TV8, TV 11, I-94 FM, Isla-610 AM, and KUAM.com. KUAM actively gives back to the community through the KUAM Care Force with projects ranging from providing wheelchairs for disabled individuals who cannot afford them to supporting bone marrow drives to helping feed Guam's hungry. The media time KUAM makes available to non-profit organizations has been an invaluable service to the community. I was an employee at KUAM from 1954 to 1966. I worked my way from the bottom up, starting as a receptionist and eventually becoming a local news reporter, Program Director, and finally Women's Director. After attaining my FCC license I hosted programs on both KUAM 610 AM and KUAM TV8. Some of my highlights include hosting a Women's World program on both radio and television, telling children's stories, hosting a daily local events calendar, and even playing radio personality ``Lorelei'' who entertained the many servicemen stationed in Guam with sentimental music and a sultry voice. The name comes from a German legend of a siren name Lorelei that bewitched the hearts of sailors, causing them to crash their ships into the Rhine River. Although I am disappointed I was not able to celebrate with them in person, I wish KUAM a happy 50th anniversary and wish them success in their next 50 years.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, as the Girl Scouts of America celebrate their 92nd anniversary this Friday, March 12, and the Guam Girl Scouts celebrate their 69th anniversary, I would like to take this time to commend the organization for its continuing commitment to improving the lives of young girls in America and abroad. The Girl Scouts have fostered the individual talents of the young girls they serve through learning activities focusing on education, health, physical fitness, community service, and cultural exchange. The Girl Scouts have helped instill strong leadership and decision-making skills in millions of young girls. Through its U.S.A. Girl Scouts Overseas, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. serves approximately 16,000 girls in more than 81 countries. Guam Girl Scouts is one of the longest-serving community organizations on Guam. They have served thousands of young girls, including myself, since 1935. Last week, representatives from our local Girl Scouts organization, along with Girl Scouts from across the Nation, journeyed to Washington, D.C. to speak to Members of Congress about issues affecting the program and our society today. I was visited by Monica Pido, President of the Board of Directors of the Guam Girl Scouts, and Vickie Fish, Executive Director of Guam Girl Scouts. I was impressed by the range of programs that they are undertaking to increase girls' safety, promote math and science education, and improve girls' health and fitness. Preventing youth violence in communities and ensuring girls feel emotionally and physically safe is one of the latest proactive efforts of our Girl Scouts. Their P.A.V.E. the Way youth violence prevention initiative is an innovative way to improve the safety of girls and communities throughout our Nation. Girl Scouts provide a structure and stability to girls between the ages of 5 and 17 years old, teaching them lessons and building character that will last a lifetime. Girl Scouts really make a difference, one girl at a time. Today, with more than 50 million women across the Nation having been involved in girl scouting as a child, the difference Girl Scouts make is enormous. As a former girl scout, I can attest to the quality and success of these programs. I congratulate Girl Scouts as they celebrate their anniversary and hope that they will continue to be a part of many girls' lives in the years to come.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler) for yielding me this time, and I am pleased to join my colleagues in support of House Resolution 56, which seeks to increase awareness and further public understanding of the mistreatment of American citizens during World War II. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) for his compassionate leadership on these issues and in particular for his sponsorship of House Resolution 56. In the aftermath of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, allowing for thousands of Japanese Americans and Japanese residents, primarily from the west coast, to be removed from their homes, interned, and prohibited from returning until December of 1944. In addition, Mr. Speaker, many Italian Americans and German Americans were expelled from designated areas under the U.S. Government's Individual Exclusion Program and were subject to arbitrary arrest. The actions of our government during this period was and remains a source of great pain. The internment of the Japanese Americans, German Americans, and Italian Americans was a grave injustice of their civil rights. There are lessons to be learned from this experience, and these lessons cannot be learned without discussing and understanding the circumstances surrounding the enactment of Executive Order 9066. We must be cognizant of the fragile nature of our civil rights which have been won on the battlefield and in the Halls of Congress; and we must always be mindful of the threats to our freedom and security; and, likewise, we must be mindful of how our own perceptions of our fellow Americans and our own prejudices affect our freedom. It is now more important than ever because of the many issues that have arisen concerning security in the aftermath of September 11. As we wage the war on terrorism, the need for awareness and education is especially important. We must ensure that we have an understanding of who among us is the threat, not based on race or color or religion but based on facts that will withstand the scrutiny of our history. As we fight for freedom and security, let us not cast aside our own humanity. Mr. Speaker, as difficult as it is, we must come to terms with our national mistakes just as we celebrate our national achievements. We must acknowledge our misgivings in the past if we are to strengthen our ability to avoid mistakes in the future. As President Ford said in 1976 when he formally rescinded Executive Order 9066, learning from our mistakes is not pleasant; but we must do so if we want to avoid repeating them. Supporting the goals of the Japanese American, German American, and Italian American communities in recognizing a National Day of Remembrance will help us learn the lessons, understand the historical significance of these actions, and honor the sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, I am in support of House Resolution 56.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues and our Nation in remembering the Columbia space shuttle tragedy of one year ago. The people of Guam join their fellow Americans today in remembrance, prayer, and tribute for the crew of STS-107 and all that they stood for and represented in their careers and lives. Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Clark, Rick Husband, Willie McCool, and Ilan Ramon were many different things to many different people. They were mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, daughters and sons, teachers and friends. There is one thing, however, that unites them all. They are all heroes in the truest sense of the word. Today, we reflect upon their lives and the qualities that they embodied. We draw our strength and resolve from the example they set and we remain committed to our nation's space program in their honor and because of what they have taught us. Guam remembers today Commander Willie McCool, who piloted the Columbia on that fateful day one year ago. Commander McCool lived in Guam while his father served as a Navy pilot and attended Dededo Middle School and John F. Kennedy High School. He later married Lani Vallejos of Dededo, Guam. While America lost a hero, Guam lost a son in the aftermath of the Columbia tragedy. Today I extend my prayers and thoughts to his wife Lani, their children, Sean, Christopher, and Cameron, and their extended family in Guam. I also extend my prayers and thoughts to his parents, Barry and Audrey McCool, and to his father and mother-in-law, Albert and Atilana Vallejos, of Dededo, Guam. My first bill in Congress was H.R. 672, which renamed the Guam South Elementary/Middle School of the Department of Defense Domestic Dependents Elementary and Secondary Schools System in honor of Commander McCool. President Bush signed this bill into law on April 22, 2003 and on August 29, 2003 the school was dedicated in his honor during an emotional ceremony attended by family, military officials, government dignitaries and fellow astronauts Piers Sellers and Stephanie Wilson. At this ceremony, Guam Governor Felix Camacho posthumously bestowed upon Commander McCool the Ancient Order of the Chamorri, the highest award given on behalf of the people of Guam in recognition of substantial contributions to the betterment of society. Commander McCool's beacon of light will continue to shine and inspire young and old alike to look towards the stars and dream big dreams. Commander McCool blessed our island and indeed our country with his passion, intellect, and purpose. The people of Guam are proud to call him one of our own and will always remember him as a role model for our children. The inspiration Commander McCool has been to our people is something that will not fade and that can never be taken away. This past weekend the people of Guam gathered in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in our capital city of Hagatna to pay tribute to Commander McCool and the Columbia crew, to recall their accomplishments, and to pray for their families. In remembering Commander McCool I am always touched by a poem he wrote while attending Dededo Middle School in Guam. Reading the poem today, it has an eerie quality that shows not only his love of Guam, but a glimpse into his future career as an astronaut: I came to an island in the middle of the sea, It was so nice that I jumped for glee. There are palm trees, coconuts, and bananas too, Plus birds and fish so unbelievable but true. It is so nice that no one can complain. But he who does must be insane. This is such a nice and beautiful place, You'd think it was heaven--or outer space. He signed this poem, ``William `Willie' McCool, Dededo beep! beep! Roadrunner,'' referring to his school's mascot. Let us always remember Willie's devotion to his family, to the people of Guam, to our country, and to the betterment of the world. I thank my colleague, Mr. Burgess, for offering this resolution today. God Bless the Columbia crew and their families.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Pacific Insular Areas Rural Telemedicine Act'' to provide for better treatment of Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in the health care service supports under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This bill amends the Act to re-designate the ``urban area'' for Guam, American Samoa, and the CNMI to be Honolulu, Hawaii. This bill also seeks to define the maximum allowable distance for the Pacific Insular Areas to be the distance between the capital cities of each jurisdiction and Honolulu, Hawaii. Finally, this bill would specify that the urban rate to be used for rate comparison purposes for the rural health care support mechanism will be the urban rate for Hawaii. The Rural Health Care Program (RHCP) is a universal service support mechanism that provides reduced rates to rural health care providers for telecommunications services related to the use of telemedicine and telehealth. Currently, the RHCP can fund up to $400 million annually to ensure that rural health care providers pay no more than those in urban areas for the same or similar telecommunication services. This support is determined based on mileage or a comparison of urban and rural rates. Under the mileage based support, the RHCP will pay the difference in charges between the standard urban distance (SUD) for each state and the maximum allowable distance (MAD). Under the urban/rural rate comparison, the RHCP will support the difference between the rural health care provider's charges and what the rural health care provider would have been charged if it were located an urban area of the state. The designation of an ``urban area'' and ``rural area'' determines which health care providers and carriers are eligible for support under the RHCP. In their initial rulemaking for the RHCP, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated the urban areas for these Pacific insular areas to be Tutuila in American Samoa, Agana in Guam, and Saipan in the CNMI. These designations were made despite the fact that none of these cities have a population of over 50,000, the threshold used by the FCC in making an urban area designation for a state. By defining the jurisdictions' capital cities as the ``urban area'' for the RHCP, the health care providers in these Pacific insular areas have been informed that the RHCP telecommunication discounts would only be applicable to interconnecting health care facilities in remote locations within their jurisdictions. For Guam, there are no health care facilities that would benefit from this definition. For American Samoa and the CNMI, the only health care facilities that would qualify are those located on remote islands within the political boundaries of their territories. The health care providers in the Pacific insular areas reflect the size, remoteness, and economic status of their communities. They seek access to advanced medical facilities, specialists and health professions education programs to better serve their rural and remote communities. The populations of these Pacific insular areas are approximately 57,000 for American Samoa, 155,000 for Guam, and 69,000 for the CNMI. These jurisdictions, in their entirety, are classified as ``rural areas'' and qualify for the rural development programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The FCC designation of the capital cities of these jurisdictions as ``urban'' has prevented the HCPs in these remote, rural areas access to much needed services. The FCC has recognized that its current regulations may disadvantage health care providers in the Pacific insular areas. In 2002, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to review the rural health care universal service support mechanism and requested comments how to address this issue. Comments submitted by the health care providers in Guam, American Samoa, the CNMI and telecommunications carriers that service these jurisdictions, and by Federal agencies and other programs providing health services raised the need to redesignate their ``urban area'' to enable the maximum allowable distance to be based on their geographic location. The governments of these jurisdictions specifically requested that their urban area be re-designated to the closest urban area with advanced medical facilities. Honolulu, Hawaii is the closest urban area to each of these jurisdictions with advanced medical facilities as well as an accredited medical school. However, the FCC, in its recent Report and Order, indicated that it is beyond their statutory authority under 47 U.S.C. 254(h)(1)(A) to designate an urban area outside of a state, whose definition includes the territories and possessions, as the benchmark for comparison for the insular areas. The residents of Guam, American Samoa, and the CNMI contribute to the Universal Service Fund and represent the types of communities that were envisioned to be served by the RHCP. The health care providers in the Pacific insular areas are in need of telecommunication connections with health care providers and with health professions education programs outside of their jurisdictions in order to obtain needed specialty services and access to advanced health professions education and continuing education programs. However, the current costs of these telecommunication connections are too high to make the connections feasible. The Rural Health Care Program, the program that was designed to serve rural communities and which would make such a critical difference in these jurisdictions, currently does not benefit those most in need. In closing, I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Faleomavaega, Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Acevedo-Vila, and Mr. Abercrombie for cosponsoring this bill. I urge support for this legislation so that we may provide for fair treatment of the Pacific insular areas in the health care service supports under the Communications Act of 1934. Designating Honolulu, Hawaii as the ``urban area'' for Guam, American Samoa, and the CNMI is the most logical, sensible, and possible approach to resolve the deficiencies in the implementation of the RHCP for these jurisdictions. I look forward to working with the leadership in moving this legislation.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today, in honor of Catholic Schools Week (January 25-31, 2004), I would like to recognize the contributions of Catholic schools to the academic and moral education of children in Guam and throughout our nation. Also, I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. David Vitter, for his steadfast support of Catholic education in our country and for introducing House Resolution 492, honoring Catholic Schools Week. Guam has a long and rich history of Roman Catholicism dating back to the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. The island eventually became an important stop along the Spanish Galleon Trade Route, eventually bringing Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, who was on his way to the Philippines, to Guam. Padre San Vitores would return to Guam in 1668, with a party of missionaries to bring Christianity to the people of Guam. They established a mission in the village of Hagatna which later became the site of the first Catholic Church and is now the seat of the Archdiocese of Guam. From these humble beginnings, the Roman Catholic faith has continued to grow, expanding its ministries to meet the changing needs of the faithful. Recognizing the need for quality education rooted in the moral values of the Catholic faith, the first Bishop of Guam, Bishop Appollinaris Baumgartner invited the Religious Sisters of Mercy from North Carolina, the Stigmatine Fathers of Massachusetts, and the School Sisters of Notre Dame from Wisconsin to come to Guam where they eventually opened schools in villages throughout the island. Today, members of these Orders, as well as members of the Dominican, Franciscan, Jesuit, and Marist Orders continue to teach our children in the Catholic education system. Guam's first Chamorro Bishop, Archbishop Felixberto Camacho Flores, made Catholic education a priority increasing the number of Catholic schools, expanding programs and improving school facilities. Today, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hagatna remains committed to serving the people of Guam. Under the direction of the Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop of Hagatna, the Catholic schools on Guam have remained committed to providing a quality academic education, grounded in faith and emphasizing service to humanity. 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. I am confident the influence of the Catholic schools will continue to have positive benefits for the people of Guam. I would like to recognize and commend the Catholic schools in Guam for their commitment to instilling the principles of academic knowledge and sound moral values in the daily lives of our children. Those offering a secondary curriculum include: the Notre Dame High School in Talofofo, Father Duenas Memorial School in Ta'i, and Academy of Our Lady of Guam in Hagatna. Additionally, 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, and Santa Barbara School in Dededo. Finally, those offering a nursery school education include: the Dominican Child Care Development Center in Sinajana, Infant of Prague in Ta'i, Maria Artero in Hagatna, and Mercy Heights in Tamuning. Finally, I want to recognize all the students, parents, teachers and administrators of Catholic schools in Guam and across the nation for their significant contributions to our society, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1385 to extend the provision of title 39, United States Code, under which the United States Postal Service is authorized to issue a special postage stamp to benefit breast cancer research. I want to thank Mr. Baca for his support in introducing this legislation. The Breast Cancer Research stamp has been a successful tool to raise funds to support research and programs to aid in the fight against breast cancer. Despite the extra cost added to purchase the first class stamps and three postage rate increases since its debut in 1998, the Breast Cancer Research stamp has brought in over $35 million for innovative research, prevention and treatment programs and other initiatives at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. There are hundreds of thousands of women fighting breast cancer and over 200,000 new cases that will be diagnosed this year. The funds raised by the Breast Cancer Research stamp provide hope to the victims and their families. More importantly, it symbolizes our commitment to eliminating this devastating disease. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1385. Let us continue this successful program in the hopes that one day there will be success in finding a cure.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to pay tribute to a remarkable woman I was privileged to call my friend, Maybell Jeanne Jacobson. Jeanne passed away on October 10, 2003 following a long and valiant struggle with cancer. Jeanne is survived by her husband, MG Hilding Leonard Jacobson, Jr.; by her son, George Chester, and her children by marriage, Grant and Linda Jacobson. She is also survived by her mother, Maude Haston, her sister Elsie Haston, and two brothers, Bud and Ernest Haston, all of whom remain in Sacramento. She leaves behind many others who love her, among them Mr. Pan Kayochar Todd of Tampa, FL, who became part of her extended family. Jeanne was born on a small farm in Missouri on July 16, 1928. She spoke often of this rolling Missouri farm, of apple trees in the spring, with blossoms so fragrant, and birds singing in the fields as sun warmed the early morning air. This farm was a small piece of heaven she always carried with her. With the coming of the Dust Bowl and the Depression, her family sold the farm and traveled to California to work in the migrant farm camps. Living in tents with dirt floors, her parents eventually saved enough money to buy a dairy farm outside Sacramento. Through all of this, she still managed to finish high school and attend college. From Jeanne's simple beginnings she went on to travel the world, including China, Asia, Russia and Europe. She had an audience with the Pope at the Vatican, explored many corners of our glorious world, bringing with her respect and tolerance for other people's beliefs and customs. Together with her husband, Major General Jacobson, Jeanne served our country in Washington, DC, Vietnam, Thailand and a final and wonderful tour of duty in Guam. Eventually settling in Lompoc, CA, in a home overlooking the first tee of the Vandenberg Village golf course, she enjoyed watching as well as playing the game of golf--and she played it very well. It was on Guam where Major General Jacobson was serving as the commanding officer at Andersen Air Force Base that I first met Jeanne and became life-long friends. Jeanne ended this life without fear and with her family and many loved ones at her side. She remains beloved in the hearts of so many, and it is our great honor to remember her today, especially in this special place that meant so very much to her.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the military service of Master Sergeant Gerard G. Babauta, who will be retiring on April 1, 2004. MSgt. Babauta has honorably served in the U.S. Air Force since March 1984. In the past 3 years he has selflessly deployed to Saudi Arabia twice so others would not have to leave their families. This is indicative of his service and attitude. He has always given his utmost in service to others, dedication to country, and honor to the U.S. Air Force. As a native son of Guam, MSgt. Babauta continues a proud history of military service to our country. He stands alongside other proud Chamorros who have answered the call of duty to defend our Nation and its ideals. We thank MSgt. Babauta for his two decades of service to his country and wish him well as he pursues other endeavors. We also recognize his wife Theresa, daughter Sara, and son Matthew, who have stood by MSgt. Babauta as he has dutifully served his Nation.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate David Crisostomo, a distinguished young journalist from Guam for his selection for the ``Gannett Newsroom Supervisor Recognition Award for 2003.'' As one of sixteen newsroom managers recognized from a pool of sixty national finalists, the Gannett award is presented in recognition of exemplary leadership. David began his career as a newsroom intern with the Pacific Daily News in 1992 and became a local news reporter in 1996. He served as a lifestyle reporter, assistant lifestyle editor and assistant local news editor; quickly working his way up the ranks to be appointed local news editor in December 2002. David's selection for the Gannett award was based on the performance of his duties when Guam was hit by Supertyphoon Pongsona, one of the most devastating storms experienced. During the destructive storm, David stationed himself in the newsroom, working diligently to keep a traumatized community informed. Hourly he provided crucial and updated information on the newspaper's Web site. When the storm subsided and David was informed of the loss of his parent's home, he took up residence in the newsroom for weeks to ensure coordinated local coverage. As a team player, David also galvanized nonprofit and community-based aid organizations, as well as the island's federal emergency management teams, in coordinating newspaper coverage in an effort to distribute vital information to a recovering community. According to his nominator for the award, ``David's editing leadership insured news coverage that focused on readers' needs during the storm and for weeks after, while the island still was rebuilding from the storm's devastation. David more than proved his leadership ability during this ordeal.'' In addition, David is also actively involved in a leadership role with newspaper outreach efforts within the community. And recently, during the newspaper's planning process, he chaired an instrumental inter-department team. It is worth noting that David's award is in addition to other key corporate honors bestowed to Pacific Daily News staff and executives this year. Gannett is an international company with headquarters in McLean, Virginia and maintains operations in forty-four states including the District of Columbia, Guam, Belgium, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy and the United Kingdom. In terms of circulation, Gannett is considered America's largest newspaper group with 100 daily newspapers and a combined daily circulation of 7.7 million. In addition of the Pacific Daily News, publications include USA Today, the nation's largest- selling daily newspaper, with a circulation of approximately 2.3 million and availability in 60 countries worldwide. I want to commend David for his hard work and dedication to the people of Guam, and to express my sincere congratulations on his joining the ranks of 149 other Gannett managers that have been cited for outstanding work since the supervisor awards were introduced in 1994. As a native son of Guam, David serves as a model of success, hard work and perseverance for both young and old alike.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 811, which will authorize funding for grants to low-income first-time homebuyers and certain uniform servicemen and women in order that they may enjoy the American dream of homeownership. I recall purchasing my first home and the tremendous satisfaction and pride that it afforded me. I believe that every American that works hard and saves for the purpose of raising his or her children in their own home deserves the opportunity to reap the fruits of their labor. I am proud that this Congress is prepared to encourage and support American homeownership. I want to thank Financial Services Committee Chairman Michael Oxley and Ranking Democratic Member Barney Frank, as well as Housing and Community Opportunities Subcommittee Chairman Bob Ney and Ranking Democratic Member Maxine Waters for their leadership in including a proposal that is very important to Guam and the insular areas in S. 811. I would especially like to thank Congressman Frank and his staff for their guidance and leadership throughout this process. This provision would move the annual Community Development Block Grant funding provided to Guam and the insular areas from a strictly discretionary financing stream into the section 106 grant formula under which cities and communities in the States receive their funding. This is where it belongs, as Guam and the insular areas should have parity with the States. Passage of S. 811 will also eliminate a regulatory hurdle that prevents Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas from participating in the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program. Inclusion in the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program will allow the insular areas to apply for low-interest government- backed loans to build large projects such as bridges, schools and other projects designed to develop human, natural and capital resources to stimulate economic development. Section 108 was a legislative priority of mine, prompting me to introduce H.R. 2422, the Insular Areas Community Development Act. Thanks to the kind support of Congresswoman Harris, as well as the helpful assistance of the Financial Services Committee leadership and staff, this longstanding issue for Guam and the insular areas will finally be resolved with the passage of S. 811. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 811.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Guam Council of Women's Clubs on their 20th anniversary and to acknowledge the Council's present and past members. I commend the numerous contributions of the council to programs and organizations that benefit not only Guam's local population, but also the national and international community. The Guam Council of Women's Clubs was founded in June 1983 as a response to the devastation in Guam from Supertyphoon Pamela. A group of prominent local women answered the call to service, establishing the council in an attempt to unify existing organizations towards the goal of recovery. The organization was to be a congress made up of representatives from every association devoted to promoting women's issues around common backgrounds, cultures, ethnicity and purpose. Through this collaboration, the founders sought to harness the energy and spirit of such organizations to contribute to the betterment of the local community, while providing an opportunity to pursue and express the political, social and economic needs of every woman, as individuals and as a powerful collective force. The names of the individual organizations which collectively comprise the Council include: the American Association of University Women; the Catholic Daughters of America; the Chinese Ladies Association; the Christian Women's Club; the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam; the Guam Women's Club; the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association; the International Women's Club; the Women's Division of the Japan Club of Guam; the Korean Women's Association; the Palau Women's Club; and most recently, the two Soroptomist International organizations. As a founding member of this organization, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Guam Council of Women's Clubs and its members for their years of hard work and dedication to the people of Guam, as they celebrate their 20th anniversary of service.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for this legislation. As has been stated, this legislation would provide needed relief to Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by increasing the matching waiver requirement for federal grants. The House's passage of this bill today would be timely given the fact that our territorial governments continue to face declining revenues. The difficult economic conditions in the territories make it particularly challenging for us to access federal grants, given the matching requirements and the current inflexibility in waiving these requirements. I am pleased this legislation not only increases the waiver requirement from the current threshold of two hundred thousand dollars to five hundred thousand dollars, but it also clarifies that this waiver requirement applies across the board--to all federal agencies and departments--and not just for grants administered by the Department of the Interior. While this legislation seeks to correct this inconsistency in the application of law, I remain concerned about another inconsistency. I am aware of conflicting and varying application of the waiver requirement among federal agencies and departments with respect to the grant recipient. The non-profit organizations in the territories fulfill a significant role in our communities. Nonprofits help meet the needs of the homeless, the disadvantaged, and those whose lives are buffeted by tough economic times. Their work is often supported by federal grants. Without such federal assistance, the non-profit organizations in the territories would struggle to meet their missions and most would not be able to maintain the current level of assistance to our communities. On Guam alone, we have a sizable non-profit community. Organizations like Guma Mami, Erica's House, Catholic Social Services, and Sanctuary all work for example to help the needy, shelter and clothe the homeless, and provide services to at-risk youth. Others like the Manenngon Foundation and Pa'a Taotao Tano work to preserve our Chamorro culture. Given their limited resources and the matching fund requirements, their access to federal funding is critical to their success. Therefore, I remain hopeful that federal agencies will apply the waiver not just to grants awarded to the territorial governments, but also to non-profit organizations and other eligible nongovernmental entities in the territories. Furthermore, while I recognize that current law, for good reason, allows any federal agency or department to consolidate grants to the territories, I would hope that this authority would not be used to reduce the number of grants that would otherwise be subject to the matching waiver requirement. Federal agencies should not consolidate grants to escape the full application of the matching waiver requirement, or to reduce the waiver's impact on what would otherwise be separate grant awards. This is the intent of the authors of this bill. This has specific application to Guam, where disaster public assistance grants to separate Government of Guam agencies should each receive the waiver of the local matching funds that are required for their individual disaster assistance, rather than one waiver for the whole Government of Guam for all public assistance grants. This legislation will also require the Secretary of the Interior to study and report on its implementation. I trust that, if enacted, the Secretary will pay particular attention to these concerns and that the report will address the application of the waiver with respect to non- profit organizations and the consolidation authority. This legislation is important for the economic development of the territories because it will make access to federal grants easier for cash-strapped governments. I want to recognize the hard work and valuable contributions that my predecessor, Robert Underwood, made on this issue. Mr. Underwood worked alongside our colleague from American Samoa, Mr. Faleomavaega, in crafting this legislation in the 107th Congress. Although the bill was reported out of the Committee on Resources last year, it unfortunately did not make it to the floor. I am grateful we have reached that point in the process today and I look forward to timely consideration in the other body. I want to commend my colleague from American Samoa, Eni Faleomavaega, for his persistence in promoting the interests of the territories and in particular for his introduction of this legislation. I also want to recognize the contributions of Congresswoman Donna Christensen from the U.S. Virgin Islands on this bill. This has been a unified effort by the Delegates from the insular areas. Finally, I want to thank Chairman Richard Pombo and Ranking Member Nick Rahall for their help in moving this legislation. The territories have benefited from their leadership in the Resources Committee.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Calvo family of Guam as they celebrate the 65th anniversary of Calvo's Insurance. The name Calvo has long been synonymous with integrity, austerity, leadership, service to community, and entrepreneurial spirit. As a locally-owned small business, Calvo Enterprises has grown by never losing touch with its consumer base in Guam and constantly updating its business model to accommodate the ever-changing nature of commerce and society in Guam. In 1938, Calvo's Insurance founder Eduardo ``Jake'' Calvo began selling fire and typhoon policies out of his home in Hagatna. A banker by trade, Jake Calvo built upon his rapport with the local community in securing the trust of insurance policy holders throughout Guam. By forging personal relationships with clients and exemplifying the importance of delivering meaningful products to the people of Guam, Calvo's Insurance has grown to become one of the most important and recognized companies in Guam. The legacy of Jake Calvo has endured nearly four decades since his passing. In succeeding him, Jake Calvo's three sons, Paul M. Calvo, Edward M. Calvo and Thomas J. M. Calvo, carefully maintained the business standards of their father. Today, Calvo's Insurance is Guam's oldest and largest insurance agency. I would be remiss not to mention that Paul M. Calvo also served as Governor of Guam from 1979-1983 and helped develop a successful formula for economic growth in Guam. He subsequently incorporated this experience in helping to develop an astute and forward-thinking business model for the family business. Now known as Calvo Enterprises, the Calvo family has diversified its positions in Guam's business sector, operating successful small businesses in local media, distributorships, restaurants, real estate, and retail. I also want to take this time to congratulate the current General Manager of Calvo's Insurance, Paul Calvo, on this momentous anniversary. Exemplifying the spirit of his late grandfather, Paul began as an underwriter for the family business and worked his way up through administrative and management positions before being placed in charge of the day-to-day activities of Calvo's Insurance. His leadership in the wake of Supertyphoons Chata'an and Pongsona in 2002 was crucial to the prompt dispatch of insurance adjusters and subsequent processing of insurance claims throughout Guam. To Calvo Enterprises and the entire Calvo family, congratulations! Thank you for your many years of leadership in the local business community, and I wish you continued success.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support House Concurrent Resolution 206 supporting the National Marrow Donor Program and other bone marrow donor programs and encouraging Americans to learn about the importance of bone marrow donation. I commend Mr. Burgess for introducing this legislation. The importance of National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and other bone marrow donor programs cannot be overstated. Each year thousands of people are diagnosed with leukemia or other blood diseases which may be cured through a blood stem cell transplant may be a cure. Some will find a matched donor, but many others will have to rely on the kindness of strangers. For those of African-American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Native American, Native Alaskan descent, this is especially challenging. I commend NMDP and other on their education and outreach initiatives particularly those programs aimed at recruiting donors from minority populations. In 1993, the NMDP Registry included 37,601 donors of African-American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Native American, Native Alaskan heritage. As of August 2003, the number is now 1,145,000 donors. This an increase of approximately 3,000 percent. But there is still a critical need for donors from minority populations. Her name was Justice Taitague, She was one of the 70 percent who could not find a matched donor from among her family members. Sadly, the donor registry at the time could not provide a match. Through the efforts of Dr. Thomas Shieh, the Guam Medical Society, and the National and Hawaiian Marrow Donor Programs, the first ever marrow drive on Guam was held on her behalf. This ``Drive for Justice'' registered thirty- four hundred volunteers in just three days. But it was too late for Justice, who passed away a few days after the drive. Justice will never know the impact her life, her story has had on others. She has given us a gift--the gift of understanding of the importance of the National Marrow Donor Program and other bone marrow donor programs and she has given hope to others of Asian/Pacific Island descent searching for a donor. Mr. Speaker, I fully support House Concurrent Resolution 206 supporting the National Marrow Donor Program and other bone marrow donor programs and encouraging Americans to learn about the importance of bone marrow donation. For me and the people of Guam, it's a matter of Justice.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) for this opportunity. I want to take this time to thank the leadership for their work on the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act. This piece of legislation is vital to the Pacific region and so important to the people of Guam. Guam is the closest American neighbor to the Freely Associated States. We have witnessed the progress that the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands have made under the original compact since 1986. Today this House will approve a renewal of this compact and recommit the United States of America to friendship with steadfast allies in the Pacific. Over the past 2 years, a lot of work has been exerted in renegotiating the terms of the original compact, and today we consider this measure for the final time before it makes its way to the White House. I am pleased that we are able to come to agreement in a bipartisan effort on matters that are so important to the Freely Associated States. Continuation of their eligibility for Pell Grants, Job Corps and programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is protected by H.J. Res. 63. This legislation also provides for an improved process to address the impact the immigration provisions have on affected U.S. jurisdictions. Annual mandatory funding in the amount of $30 million is provided for by this bill to be shared by Guam, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa to help defray costs associated with immigration. The legislation includes my provision for compact-impact reconciliation to address the unreimbursed compact costs over the past 17 years. I want to recognize the work of the U.S. negotiating teams, most particularly the contributions of the chief U.S. negotiators, Al Stayman in the early phase and Colonel Al Short under the Bush administration. I congratulate the leadership of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands for their successful efforts. I want to acknowledge and thank the united efforts of Guam's leaders on the provisions important to our island. Governor Camacho and Speaker Pangelinan traveled thousands of miles to Washington in July to testify before the House Committee on Resources. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlemen from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) and (Mr. Case) for their efforts. I also want to thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) for their leadership in crafting this legislation as well as the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) for their input on matters under their committee's jurisdictions. I also want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) for their help in addressing matters of concern as this bill moved through the process, and to thank the staff serving on these committees. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to make special mention of the work the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) has put into the legislation. His service is invaluable to this institution and the people of the Pacific islands hold him in high esteem. This is indeed, Mr. Speaker, an historic day for the Pacific islands. I urge adoption of H.J. Res. 63.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 313, urging the President to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in recognition of his significant, enduring and historic contributions to the causes of freedom, human dignity, and peace and to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His Holiness' inauguration of his ministry as Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pastor of the Catholic Church. I want to thank Mr. Sensenbrenner for his leadership on this bill. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is our nation's highest civilian award, recognizing exceptional meritorious contribution to world peace. His Holiness, Pope John Paul II is more than deserving of this award. Throughout his life and his ministry, he has stood firm in his belief of the inalienable right and dignity of the human person and has been unafraid to shape world events, speak for peace and advocate 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. 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 in Eastern Europe, Pope John Paul II was also reaching out to other parts of the world, proclaiming belief in the inalienable right and dignity of the human person and using his influence to bring about change. Through his efforts, he has helped to reduce tensions between world leaders, reducing conventional and nuclear weapons and averting a nuclear war. He has sought to heal divisions across the different faith traditions, promoting reconciliation and dialogue between members to further understanding and respect for all people. He has traveled over the world bringing hope and encouragement to the millions still oppressed by tyranny, hunger, disease and despair. Despite his ailing health, he continues to lead with strength of conviction as a champion of freedom and peace. Through the many challenges that has faced the Catholic Church and the world, Pope John Paul II has been the rock of the Catholic Church, a model for all people. On behalf of the people of Guam, I fully support House Concurrent Resolution 313 and urge its unanimous passage.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3157, which will direct the Secretary of Agriculture to designate employees of the Department of Agriculture to serve as liaisons between the federal agencies and state and local governments in the event of a federally declared disaster area. As Delegate and long-term resident of Guam, I can attest to the debilitating state of confusion in the after math of a disaster. Just last year, individuals and businesses on Guam sustained millions of dollars in damage as result of the destruction wrought by two supertyphoons, Cha'at'an in May and Pongsona in December, 2002. While federal agencies worked quickly to implement disaster recovery plans for Guam, the central communications mechanism between GovGuam and the various agencies through FEMA and its designated liaisons was crucial to the typhoon recovery. H.R. 3157 will create a consistent mechanism of communication between the federal government and state and local entities for agricultural issues in the event of a disaster. I strongly support passage of H.R. 3157 and encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this important disaster legislation.

Mrs. BORDALLO

Mrs. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to welcome the Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana to the People's House and to thank him for offering today's prayer. Archbishop Apuron has served God and His people first as priest and now bishop for over 31 years. Born November 1, 1945, he was ordained a priest in the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin on August 26, 1972. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Agana by the late Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores on December 8, 1983 and consecrated Titular Bishop of Muzuca on February 19, 1984. On May 11, 1986, the Most Reverend Anthony S. Apuron was elevated to Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana. As the head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana, he is the spiritual leader for over 350,000 Roman Catholics in Guam, the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa in the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Diocese of the Caroline and the Marshall Islands. He has been the moral voice for the faithful who look to him for direction in these difficult times. Under his leadership, the Archdiocese of Agana has expanded its ministries to meet the changing needs of the community. On behalf of the people of Guam, I want to thank Archbishop Apuron for being with us today and for his leadership and guidance of the people of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Agana. Si Yu'os Ma'ase.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, roughly a half-century ago my home island of Guam was invaded by an unwelcome alien pest. Believed to have arrived on Guam as a passive stowaway in a military cargo ship shortly after World War II, the brown tree snake has kept our island's native wild life under siege ever since and has emerged to become the single greatest threat to Guam's natural environment. Today, I am introducing legislation along with my colleagues from Hawaii, Mr. Case and Mr. Abercrombie, to combat the brown tree snake by increasing authorized funding levels for research, control and prevention of the spread of this species with the ultimate goal of eradication in Guam. In doing so, the legislation aims to improve the coordination among Federal agencies and other institutions in dealing with the problems brought about by the brown tree snake. The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, which established a Federal program to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species, included an authorization for programmatic efforts to combat the brown tree snake as well. Since then the Federal Government has gradually increased efforts to prevent the brown tree snake from departing Guam and to reduce the population of the brown tree snake in certain targeted areas in Guam. Our legislation would enhance these efforts by improving the coordination and consistency of actions undertaken by Federal agencies and by providing an adequate authorized funding schedule to achieve the goal of eradication. Our legislation clarifies the responsibility for funding brown tree snake programs and places that responsibility in the appropriate Federal agencies. In the past the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs has had to contribute funds meant for territorial technical assistance to the brown tree snake program in order to make up for shortfalls in other Federal agencies' budgets. While we appreciate the Office of Insular Affair's efforts in the past, it is preferable to secure funding from those with direct responsibility and expertise for these issues. Since 1993, Congress has attempted to address the brown tree snake problem, but I would contend, by indirect and inconsistent means. Currently, Federal funding to fight the brown tree snake has remained stagnant over the past decade and has been realized, in addition to the contributions from the Office of Insular Affairs, through the efforts of a Senate Appropriations $1 million annual earmark in the Department of Defense Operations and Maintenance account for the Defense Health Services. These funds have been the basis for the progress made to date, but these appropriations funds are not specifically authorized, which has caused difficulty in securing the appropriation each year. In addition, as an earmark, these efforts have been misinterpreted by interest groups opposed to such earmarks and has at times been characterized as ``pork'' spending. If we do not adequately address these funding shortfalls, significant brown tree snake containment efforts may fail resulting in the spread of a very aggressive invasive species to other areas of the United States. The brown tree snake has caused severe environmental damage on Guam, and our experience has been that once introduced, this species is extremely difficult to eradicate. The environmental cost in protecting other species in other areas that may become endangered by this alien predator is enormous, thus making the prevention of the spread of the brown tree snake an economic issue. This is a clear example of a situation where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This bill is also notable for its emphasis on control and eradication. Guam has had the unfortunate experience of having the brown tree snake threaten the extinction of our own indigenous species of birds. I look forward to moving this bill through the legislative process. I thank my colleagues from Hawaii, Mr. Case and Mr. Abercrombie, for their diligent work in crafting this legislation with me. I also wish to commend stakeholders in Guam and Hawaii, including the Government of Guam's Department of Agriculture, for their valuable input. I urge my colleagues to support the Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Act.

Mrs. BORDALLO

Mrs. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleague's motion to instruct the conferees on the Labor-Health and Human Services and Education appropriations bill to increase funding levels for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to the highest funding levels possible. NIH is the recognized leader in medical research and the focal point for health research in our country. Studies funded by the Institutes, have led to advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. Still thousands of Americans die every day from five major diseases: heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Of these, heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers disproportionately affect minority populations. Additional research is necessary to understand the impact of these and other diseases that affect our minority communities and to develop cures and identify behavioral interventions that are effective at prevention. We are more aware today that research is needed to understand the impact of these diseases on our minority communities. We must increase funding to continue current research and development and to allow for new projects. In doing so, we give hope to all those afflicted with disease.