Madeleine Bordallo

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I rise for the purposes of entering into a colloquy with the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Bonilla) and the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), the ranking member. Mr. Chairman, last year's farm bill authorized the Resident Instruction and Distance Education Grants Program for the Insular Areas to address the critical agricultural research needs of the Land Grant Universities in the U.S. territories and Puerto Rico. We receive very little by way of formula funds, t-star grants, and other special grants. Existing programs simply do not orient themselves toward the Land Grant Universities in the insular areas. Additionally, our universities have seen no money under the National Research Initiative, the flagship agricultural research program. While our institutions are 1862s by definition, they have only been established as Land Grant Universities for the past 3 decades. This, coupled with the decline in funds for the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service overall, makes competing with other institutions very difficult. So last year Congress authorized a new funding mechanism to provide competitively awarded grants to meet the unique needs of this underserved set of universities. This new authorization is especially important to the Land Grant Universities in the insular areas because it will help them to develop education and training programs while working in collaboration with leading U.S. universities on the mainland, building on their expertise and helping us to make the best possible use of limited program dollars. This year's appropriation bill has no funds whatsoever for this new program. As the Land Grant Universities in the insular areas face many critical agricultural research needs, including food safety and security, health and nutrition, and the environment, I am hopeful that this new program will be funded in the near future. Although my request to fund this account in this cycle has not been met, I am grateful for the inclusion of report language that speaks to this need. I know that the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Bonilla) and the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), our ranking member, are supportive of the Land Grant Universities in the insular areas, and I urge them to utilize this new program to ensure the survival of these institutions.

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I will place in the Record at this point a statement from my colleague, the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), as well as a joint letter signed by myself, the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, the delegate from the Virgin Islands, and the delegate from American Samoa. U.S. Congress, Washington, DC, March 19, 2003. Hon. Henry Bonilla, Chairman, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, House Committee on Appropriations, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: We are writing to request that $15 million be provided in the Fiscal Year 2004 agriculture appropriations bill for the Resident Instruction and Distance Education Grants Program for Insular Area Institutions of Higher Education. This program was authorized by last year's Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (Sec. 7501; Public Law 107-171) to strengthen instruction, curriculum and research in the food and agricultural sciences. With this funding the program would enhance the quality of teaching and learning at our nation's land-grant universities in the U.S. territories. Collaboration between faculty and students at institutions of higher education in the U.S. territories with colleagues in the U.S. mainland is particularly challenging given the distance between them. Current fragile economic conditions in the U.S. territories also compound the challenges posed by their geographic isolation. Nevertheless, these institutions boast sound and reputable programs in agriculture, natural resources, forestry, veterinary medicine, home economics, and disciplines closely allied to the food and agriculture production and delivery systems. The primary and secondary science and agricultural teachers of these institutions often lack proper credentials though. A distance education program is desperately needed by these educators. Because of the high cost of shipping to the U.S. territories, food costs are high and families are often forced to make unhealthy choices. These unhealthy choices compound an already high incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease among the populations of the insular areas. Strengthening health and diet outreach education would help to prevent unnecessary trauma for many families. Expertise in environmental management is limited in the islands of insular areas. The insular area land grants are the primary source of higher education for the region and environmental education programs need to be created and strengthened. Building the capacity of the insular area land grants in the areas of distance education, agriculture, health and nutrition and environmental management will improve the overall quality of life and education for U.S. citizens who live in these areas. Designating $15 million for this program through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service's (CSREES) research and education activities account is vitally important if we are to support the learning communities of the U.S. territories and provide them the ability to partner with other institutions in the U.S. mainland. Harnessing technology in support of institutional capacity-building in this regard is essential for the success of the land-grant universities in the U.S. territories. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or should you be in need of further information. Sincerely, Anibal Acevedo-Vila, Donna M. Christensen, Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, Members of Congress. Amendment Offered by Mr. Ackerman

Ms. BORDALLO. I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio.

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

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to former Guam Senator Angel Anthony Leon Guerrero Santos, III, a tireless champion of the rights of the Chamorro people. Sadly, Angel passed away on July 6, 2003 after suffering from a degenerative illness. Angel was born on April 14, 1959 to Amanda Leon Guerrero Santos and Angel Cruz Santos II. He was father to Angel Ray Anthony Santos IV, Sheila Marie Santos Indalecio, Christopher Ray Pangelinan Santos, Vanessa Joy Gumataotao Santos, Francine Nicole Gumataotao Santos (dec.), Brandon Scott Gumataotao Santos, Taga Hurao Santos-Salas, Ke'puha Hirao Santos-Salas, and Sosanbra Elisha Santos-Salas. Angel was a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He served three terms as a Senator in the Guam Legislature. His belief in the inalienable right of the Chamorro people to self-determination and his dedication to preserving the language and culture led to the establishment of Nasion Chamoru of which he was a founding member and spokesman. Angel was well-known for his outspoken stance on cultural, environmental and human-rights issues. But he will perhaps be most remembered for his efforts to return lands taken after World War II. It was this battle that led him to successfully pursue a seat in the 23rd, 24th and 26th Guam Legislatures where he authored Guam Public Law 23- 141 which mandated the return of excess lands to the original landowners. Angel fought passionately against issues that stirred much debate. Whether it was land rights or corruption allegations, he was outspoken. When he felt there was an injustice, he fought against it. He often led causes that were controversial. Sometimes those issues made him unpopular with some people. But he loved his home and his people. In every community, people always need someone to stand out in front to lead against those controversial issues, and Angel was that man. His courage in the face of opposition, the strength of conviction and determination to succeed made him a hero to the Chamorro people and earned him the respect of those around him. As we mourn the untimely passing of Guam's native son, Angel Anthony Leon Guerrero Santos, III, let us remember his inspiring words: We cannot be passive or silent when human beings endure suffering or humiliation. We must step forward and take sides. We must assist immediately. At times, we may fail. At times, we may make mistakes. But we must never make the mistake of failing to try. People deserve nothing less.-- Angel Santos, 1994 Generations will come and generations will pass, but if no generation has the conscience, the courage and moral conviction to right the wrong doings of the past; then, the next generation will have to live with the same injustices of the future.--Angel Santos, 1999 On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family and friends of Angel Anthony Leon Guerrero Santos, III. Adios Angel. Si Yu'us Ma'ase.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today, along with my colleagues, Mr. Abercrombie, Mr. Case, and Mr. Faleomavaega, I am introducing a bill to amend the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 to provide for adequate Compact-impact aid and to continue authority for valuable U.S. assistance for citizens of the Freely Associated States. Compact-impact aid is assistance that has been provided by the Federal Government from time to time over the past seventeen years to Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and more recently, the State of Hawaii, to mitigate the impact and adverse financial consequences arising from immigration permitted under the Compacts of Free Association with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. These three island states are all former Trust Territories of the United Nations that were administered by the United States from 1946 to 1986. In 1985, Congress passed legislation affording these islands the opportunity to become sovereign states in free association with the United States. In enacting the Compact of Free Association Act (Public Law 99-239), Congress authorized unrestricted migration from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau to the United States, including its territories. Since the implementation of the Compacts in 1986, many citizens of the Freely Associated States (FAS) have availed themselves of the immigration provisions and traveled to Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the State of Hawaii for work and residence. These FAS citizens have entered our classrooms, utilized our hospitals, and availed themselves of other social services, to a significant degree. The General Accounting Office has documented the impact of this migration (GAO-02-40). One of the major concerns for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the State of Hawaii remains the reimbursement of costs incurred by our jurisdictions due to the Compacts. As Congress prepares to reauthorize the Compacts, we must ensure that the issue of Compact-impact is adequately and comprehensively addressed. Our bill proposes that more accountable and reliable means be utilized on the part of the Federal Government to help Guam, the State of Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, recoup the costs of providing critical education, medical and other social services for citizens of the Freely Associated States who migrate to our islands. Our bill proposes to utilize Medicaid to reimburse the costs of medical services furnished to FAS citizens. Clearly, Medicaid is a preferred option as it is an existing means-tested program with its own accountability controls and eligibility standards. Our bill would also grant FAS citizens eligibility for food stamps. Additionally, our bill proposes to extend authority for grants to the governments of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the State of Hawaii, to control and prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Current law simply authorizes this assistance for the Federated States of Micronesia. The bill also proposes to extend referral authority for medical facilities of the Department of Defense to the Republic of Palau, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the State of Hawaii. Current law restricts referral authority to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Lastly, our bill would make available to the governments of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau funds needed to pay obligations incurred for the use of medical facilities in the United States prior to October 1, 2003. Under current law, such authorization applies to debt accrued before September 1, 1985. The governments of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the State of Hawaii, have provided health, educational, and other social services to the citizens of these Freely Associated States in good faith with the expectation that such incurred costs would be reimbursed by the United States Government. We have before us an opportunity to address this most important issue within the context of the reauthorization of the Compacts of Free Association. It is my sincere desire to work with my colleagues to ensure that the provisions proposed by this bill are seriously considered in the reauthorization process.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to request that the House take action to ensure that Military Sealift Command vessels, known as MSC vessels, are repaired in American shipyards. This would ensure that the money we appropriate here today is used to not only ``buy American,'' but to ``repair American'' as well. You would think that if anything would be repaired in the USA, it would be our naval fleet procured with taxpayer funds. Unfortunately, the Military Sealift Command thwarts the will of Congress by exploiting a loophole in the current law to designate its vessels as having no home port. The MSC then repairs the vessels in foreign ship repair facilities in places such as Singapore and Korea. Such repair work is done without regard to American health, labor and environmental standards. Using foreign ports runs counter to force protection requirements following the October 12, 2000, terrorist attack on the USS Cole.

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I understand, and I would be very willing to work with the gentleman concerning this situation with the MSC ships. I look forward to working with you to resolve this. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment. I will work with the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) on the matter.

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

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to place in the Record a resolution passed by the Guam Legislature which petitions the United States Congress to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 to include Guam in the jurisdictions covered by the Act. The aforementioned Act, Public Law 101-426, calls for the compensation to be paid to the people of areas where they may have been exposed to hazardous materials as a result of the detonation of nuclear weapons. While those areas that were most obviously affected by nuclear testing have been compensated, recent evidence shows that the effects of these nuclear tests were more widespread than originally thought. Most specifically, the people of my island, Guam, were affected by these events, and it is of paramount importance that this problem be addressed. As the resolution states, Guam was affected by wind borne radiation and by the scrubbing of radiated vessels in Guam's harbors. In the coming days, I will work towards the introduction of legislation that will extend Public Law 101-426 to include the people of Guam. Such legislation is a much needed action to compensate for allowing nuclear waste to contaminate areas in the Western Pacific. I look to my colleagues for their assistance and understanding in rectifying the impact of nuclear testing in the region. Resolution No. 30 (LS) Whereas, the United States conducted testing of atomic nuclear weapons on Enewetak and Bikini Atolls in the Marshall Islands, from 1946 to 1958. A total of sixty-seven (67) atomic and thermonuclear bombs were detonated which resulted in fallout across a wide area of the Pacific. Continental United States residents exposed to radiation resulting from the nuclear weapons testing subsequently developed serious diseases, including various types of cancer. On October 1990, in order to establish a procedure to make partial restitution to radiation exposure victims for their suffering, President George H. Bush signed into law the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). RECA established the Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (RECP) within the Civil Division of the Department of justice to administer its responsibilities under the Act. In April 1992, RECP began processing claims. RECA was amended several times, most recently on July 10, 2000, when President William Jefferson Clinton signed into law the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2000. The 2000 amendments further broaden the scope of eligibility for benefits coverage to include new victim categories and modify the criteria for determining eligibility for compensation; and Whereas, RECA establishes a procedure to make partial restitution to individuals who contracted serious diseases, such as certain types of cancers, presumably resulting from their exposure to radiation from aboveground nuclear tests or as a result of their employment in uranium mines. The law established five (5) claimant categories--uranium miners, uranium millers, ore transporters, ``downwinders'' (those who were located downwind from aboveground nuclear weapons tests conducted at the Nevada test sites) and onsite participants (those who actually participated onsite); and Whereas, as enacted, the law broadens the population covered by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which authorizes monetary compensation to individuals who were present, or nearby when nuclear weapons tests were conducted at the Nevada Test Site or who worked in uranium mines, and later developed certain diseases; adds more qualifying occupations relating to uranium production; increases the number of states covered and extends the time period considered for radiation exposure; adds more diseases which may qualify individuals for compensation; decreases the level of radiation exposure that is necessary to qualify; makes certain that the medical criteria is less stringent for potential claimants; and Whereas, nuclear tests that the United States Government conducted in the Marshall Islands from 1946 until 1968 have led to increased levels of radiation in some of the islands of Micronesia; and Whereas, such increased levels of radiation may have led to serious health and other environmental problems for life in such areas; and Whereas, Guam is approximately one thousand two-hundred (1200) miles directly west of the test sites; and Whereas, the Atomic Energy Commission detonated sixty-seven (67) nuclear devices with a total yield of one hundred eight thousand four hundred ninety-two point two (108,492.2) kilotons in or around the Marshall Islands; and Whereas, there were ten (10) detonations that had the yield necessary (one (1) megaton) to project material from the center of the explosion to the height of between twelve (12) to fifty-five (55) miles, and into the jet-stream; and Whereas, the jet-stream travels generally westward from the Marshall Islands carrying the radioactive material as fine as dust particles; these particles collected ice crystals at high altitudes and descended as cloud condensation. This process is known as the scavenging effect; and Whereas, the material drops to land surfaces and enters the food and water supply consumed by the local population; and Whereas, reports from the United States Navy indicated that they had full knowledge and did not warn or help the local population; and Whereas, ships present during the nuclear testing were decontaminated in Guam harbors with acidic detergents and the runoff from these operations went directly in the local fishing and reef environments; and Whereas, the United States Navy performed radio ecological studies on the surface water in and around the island of Guam and found a major peak of radioactive contamination in 1959; and Whereas, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, for the United States Department of Energy, performed radio ecological testing on Guam beginning in 1968 and ending in 1974, to study potential radiation effects on the local population; and Whereas, numerous other radio ecological studies were performed by government agencies, the United States military, and various research institutions from 1946 until 1974 to study Guam's environment and actual and potential radiation effects on the local population; and Whereas, according to requirements set forth by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, the island of Guam should qualify as a jurisdiction and its population should be recognized as victims of radiation exposure from nuclear weapons testing and associated clean-up activities (see Appendix I listing the declassified documents pertaining to and indicating Guam's exposure to radioactive isotopes as a result of the Atomic Energy Commission nuclear weapon tests in the Marshall Islands); now therefore, be it Resolved, That I Mina'Bente Siete Na Liheslaturan Guahan does hereby, on behalf of the people of Guam, petition the United States Congress to amend the ``Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990'', Public Law 101-426, as amended by Public Law 101-510, Sec. 3139 (42 U.S.C. 2210) and Public Law 106-245; to include Guam in the jurisdictions (downwinders/ onsite participants) covered by the Act; and be it further Resolved, That the affected population previously and currently on Guam (those residing who have been exposed to radiation resulting from the Atomic Energy Commission tests in the Marshall Islands) be recognized as being ``downwinders'' of such tests; and be it further Resolved, That those persons involved in the actual testing and clean-up activities of such atomic weapons tests be recognized as ``on-site participants'' and/or ``downwinders'' depending on their exposure as defined by RECA; and be it further Resolved, That the Speaker certify, and the Legislative Secretary attests to, the adoption hereof and that copies of the same be thereafter transmitted to the Honorable Senator Orrin G. Hatch, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate; to the Honorable Senator Patrick J. Leahy, Ranking Member, Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate; to the Honorable Senator Judd Gregg, Chairman, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, United States Senate; to the Honorable Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Ranking Member, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, United States Senate; to the Honorable Senator Daniel K. Akaka, United States Senate; to the Honorable Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, United States House of Representatives; to the Honorable Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Member, Committee on the Judiciary, United States House of Representatives; to the Honorable Congressman W.G. ``Billy'' Tauzin, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, United States House of Representatives; to the Honorable Congressman John D. Dingell, Ranking Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce, United States House of Representatives; to the Honorable Congressman Neil Abercrombie, United States House of Representatives; to Mr. William A. Harper, National Commander, National Association of Atomic Veterans; to Mr. Charlie Clark, Hawaii State Commander, National Association of Atomic Veterans; to all the State and Area Commanders of the National Association of Atomic Veterans; to Mr. Robert Celestial, Guam atomic veteran; to the Honorable Angel L.G. Santos, former Senator of I Mina'Bente Sais Na Liheslaturan Guahan; to the Honorable George Herbert Walker Bush, former President of the United States of America; to the Honorable William Jefferson Clinton, former President of the United States of America; to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States of America; to the Honorable Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives; and to the Honorable Felix P. Camacho, I Maga'lahen Guahan.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, this citation is presented to Lieutenant Colonel Edgar J. Yanger of Mangilao for his promotion to the rank of Colonel in the United States Army. Colonel Yanger is the son of Felizardo Galon Yanger and Cecilia Taitano Yanger of Mangilao. He is married to the former Doris San Nicholas Guerrero, daughter of Jesus Calvo Guerrero and Candelaria San Nicholas Guerrero of Sinajana. Edgar and Doris have two children, Melina and Edgar Jonathan. Colonel Yanger has accomplished much over the past years. He is a graduate of Guam Vocational Technical High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in architecture. He received his commission in the Army as an engineer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He went on to graduate from the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and from the U.S. Army Engineer Officer Basic and Advance Courses at Fort Belvoir, VA. Currently, Colonel Yanger is a program manager in the Army's Base Realignment and Closure Division at the Pentagon. He will soon be leaving for duty in Korea, where I am certain that he will continue to serve with the same dedication and commitment that has defined his career. The people of Guam share the pride that the Yanger family has in the distinguished service and leadership of Colonel Yanger. He exemplifies the courage, strength and determination that defines the Chamorro people. He is a role model for the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. We commend him for his leadership and look forward to his continued success. On behalf of the people of Guam, I want to congratulate Colonel Edgar J. Yanger and his family on his many accomplishments, and extend our gratitude for his dedicated service to our island and our country.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate Continental Micronesia on its 35th anniversary and to wish a happy birthday to CEO Mark Erwin and employees of Continental Micronesia. I also want to take this time to commend the services rendered by Continental Micronesia to the island of Guam. Guam is the regional hub for Continental Micronesia, and we are proud of the network that strengthens ties between Guam and our Pacific neighbors. Tourism is the leading private sector industry on Guam, and Continental has provided consistent, reliable service to Guam and to destinations across the entire Pacific Rim including: Cairns, Australia; Denpasar, Indonesia; Hong Kong; Honolulu, Hawaii; Koror, Palau; Kosrae, Micronesia; Kwajalein, Marshall Islands; Majuro, Marshall Islands; Nagoya, Japan, Niigata, Japan, Osaka/Kenai, Japan; Pohnpei, Micronesia; Saipan, Commonweath of the Northern Mariana Islands; Sapporo, Japan; Sendai, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; Chuuk, Micronesia; and Yap, Micronesia. Continental Airlines moved its headquarters to Los Angeles, California in July, 1963, as it provided important transportation services to members of the armed forces between the United States and Asia during the Vietnam War. In response to its increased importance in the Pacific during the Vietnam War, Continental formed Air Micronesia in 1968. Air Micronesia, now known as Continental Micronesia, has become one of the principal passenger airlines for the islands of the Pacific, providing services between the islands and nations along the Pacific Rim and the mainland. Under trailblazing CEO Robert F. Six, Continental Airlines mixed creativity with ingenuity in establishing many of its flight routes in the Pacific. During the 1960's, Continental Micronesia would staff flights with mechanics and carry spare materials on board in order that passenger airliners could land on and embark from coral island landing strips. The company was also innovative in that it opened hotels and restaurants at its island destinations in order to stimulate tourism. In 1976, Air Micronesia began providing services between Saipan and Japan. This additional service would prove to be vital to the future economic growth of Guam, for the vast majority of the over one million tourists that visit Guam each year are Japanese. In fact, Continental Micronesia's Guam-Tokyo, Japan route became the airline industry's single most profitable route in the world. We on Guam are grateful for this mutually beneficial relationship, and we look forward to working together with Continental to perpetuate further growth of the visitor industry on Guam. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Continental Micronesia and its employees for their years of hard work and dedication to the people of Guam, as they celebrate their 35th birthday. Without their commitment, the visitor industry on Guam could not thrive.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill to amend the Organic Act of Guam to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to reduce, release, or waive amounts owed by the Government of Guam to the United States Government to offset unreimbursed Compact impact expenses. This bill is cosponsored by my colleagues, Mr. Gallegly, the Republican Co-Chairman of the newly established House Caucus on Insular and International Affairs, Mr. Rahall, the Ranking Democratic Member of the House Committee on Resources, Mr. Faleomavaega, the Ranking Democratic Member of the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and the Democratic Co-Chairman of the House Caucus on Insular and International Affairs, Mr. Rehberg, Mr. Abercrombie, and Mr. Case. I am also pleased to have the support of the Governor of Guam, The Honorable Felix P. Camacho, for this legislation. Guam is the closest neighbor to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau, two former trust territories of the United States, who as a result of the Compacts of Free Association with the United States established independence and became sovereign states. One of the major concerns for Guam is the reimbursement of costs incurred by Guam due to the Compacts, which were entered into force in 1986. In enacting the Compact of Free Association Act (Public Law 99- 239), Congress authorized unrestricted migration from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau to the United States, including its territories. This law states that if any adverse consequences to Guam resulted from implementation of the Compacts of Free Association, the Congress would act sympathetically and expeditiously to redress those adverse consequences. The Government of Guam has incurred significant costs over the past 17 years due to this migration and the Government of Guam has been inadequately reimbursed by the United States Government. The General Accounting Office has reported that such migration permitted under the Compacts of Free Association has had a significant impact on Guam. But placing demands on local government for health, educational, and other social services, migration under the Compacts of Freely Association has adversely affected the budgetary resources of the Government of Guam. The Government of Guam has provided health, educational, and other social services to the citizens of these Freely Associated States in good faith with the expectation that such incurred costs would be reimbursed by the United States Government. Guam has experienced a severe economic crisis in recent years which has been exacerbated by Compact impact expenses. During this time, the Government of Guam has accrued significant obligations to the United States Government, including $9 million to the Department of the Navy for water consumption, $3 million to the Department of Education for the construction of a student housing facility at the Guam Community College, $40 million in local matching funds to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance in the aftermath of Typhoon Chata'an and Supertyphoon Pongsona, and $105 million to the Department of Agriculture for telephone infrastructure improvements. These are some of the few obligations that the Government of Guam has been unable to meet in part because of budgetary commitments it has fulfilled in providing health, educational, and other social services to citizens of the Freely Associated States. The Compact Impact Reconciliation Act would grant the Secretary of the Interior some flexibility to address the unreimbursed Compact impact expenses of Guam. The legislation would allow the Secretary of the Interior to forgive Guam of some of its debt owed to the United States Government in exchange for the United States Government reimbursing Guam for expenses incurred as a result of the Compact's immigration provisions. Reconciliation of amounts owed by the Government of Guam with the Compact impact expenses is in the national interest and would promote good will in the future renewal of the Compacts of Free Association and the economic recovery of Guam, which hosts some of our Nation's most strategically important military bases. I am hopeful that as Congress reauthorizes the Compacts of Free Association this year that this legislation will be merited serious consideration. I look forward to working with Chairman Pombo and Ranking Member Rahall of the House Committee on Resources to secure a hearing for this bill and to move this legislation to eventual passage.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Ensign Paul Sablan Duenas on his graduation from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science on May 23, 2003 and for his commissioning as Ensign in the United States Navy. Paul now joins his brother John, who also graduated from the Naval Academy, as a Naval Officer. As a young man growing up on Guam, Paul demonstrated tremendous success as a student and leader at every academic level. He attended Cathedral Grade School in Hagatna, Guam and St. Francis School in Yona, Guam before enrolling at Father Duenas Memorial School, where he completed his secondary education. During high school career, Paul excelled in academics and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, he further developed his leadership talents by serving as Cadet Commanding Officer for the Father Duenas Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (NJROTC) during his senior year. Upon graduating from Father Duenas Memorial School in 1999, Paul accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Today I join friends and family of Ensign Paul Sablan Duenas in congratulating him on his graduation from the United States Naval Academy. He has received orders to report on-board the new USS Mason (DDG-87) in Norfolk, Virginia as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO). I am confident that Paul will be an outstanding officer in the United States Navy, and I commend him for his distinguished academic career and his self-less dedication and commitment to the service of our Nation.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that will authorize qualified public housing entities in Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to participate in the ``Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program.'' Congresswoman Donna Christensen of the Virgin Islands and Congressman Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa have joined me as original co- sponsors of this legislation, which is important to the economic development of the insular areas. Currently, all qualified entitlement public housing entities in the States are authorized to apply for government-backed loans to finance long-term projects under the Community Development Assistance Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-383), which established the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program. Under ``Section 108,'' the States and their local governments may apply for amounts up to five times their annual allotments of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Guam receives CDBG funding on an annual basis from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, many projects for which the funding could be utilized cost more than the annual allotment. My bill would authorize the insular areas that receive CDBG funding to apply for government-backed loans to help finance more expensive long- term projects. Future CDBG grant money could then be used as collateral in the insular areas, similar to how it is currently used in several of the States. Officials at HUD have informed me that Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are excluded on the basis that their CDBG grant funds are authorized under a separate sub-section from the States. My bill would clarify that States and Territories would have access to the HUD financing program irrespective of this technical distinction. My bill, the Insular Areas Community Development Act of 2003, would strengthen the law to provide for the same flexibility for the insular areas as is currently granted to the States in using CDBG funds. Support for this bill would recognize the need for long-term financing of community development projects important to the economic progress of the insular areas, and will result in improved planning and more efficient use of limited resources.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to amend the Organic Act of Guam to establish the Guam Judiciary as the third, co-equal and independent branch of the Government of Guam. My bill also clarifies that the Supreme Court of Guam shall have authority over all inferior courts in the Guam Judiciary. Currently, the Guam Legislature and the Guam Executive Branch have the power to abolish the Supreme Court of Guam, and as such, may infringe upon the Judiciary's independence. This unequal balance of power was created by the 1984 Omnibus Territories Act which authorized the creation of an appellate court on Guam; however, this statute unintentionally left the newly created court subordinate to the powers of the Legislature and the Executive. My bill to amend the Organic Act of Guam remedies this unacceptable situation by making the Supreme Court of Guam an ``Organic'' court equal in stature to the other branches of government and providing the Guam Judiciary the same protection as the other branches have in their status under the Organic Act of Guam. Just as the Governor cannot disband the Legislature, and the Legislature cannot abolish the Executive, so too should the Judiciary be free from the threat of abolishment by the Legislative or Executive branches if their judicial decisions come under political fire. The Guam Judiciary needs to be insulated from the possibility of political interference by the Legislative and Executive branches, and the balance of power among these branches needs to be restored and protected. This bill has received strong support from the Supreme Court of Guam, the Guam Bar Association, along with various members of the Guam Legislature, including Speaker Vicente (Ben) C. Pangelinan. In addition, Senator F. Randall Cunliffe, Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Transportation in the 27th Guam Legislature, fully supports this bill. The bill I am introducing today is in the same form as reported out by the Committee on Resources in the 107th Congress. This bill has evolved since it was first introduced in the 105th Congress by former Congressman Robert Underwood, my predecessor, as the Guam Judicial Empowerment Act, and in its current form, this bill reflects improvements suggested by the U.S. District Court of Guam and the Committee. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to amend the Organic Act of Guam in recognition of the importance of having a strong Judiciary and in furtherance of Guam's efforts to achieve the greatest amount of self-governance possible. I look forward to working with the leadership on this issue, and I hope that this legislation would be reported expeditiously to the House by the Committee on Resources for consideration on the floor.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House that Vicenta B. Peredo recently passed away. She was also known as ``Seabee Betty'' and for years she had provided a home away from home for the Seabees in Guam. She frequently held fiestas for the deployed battalions, which were always well attended, and gave her world renowned status within the Seabees. She was also annually crowned queen of the Seabees Ball. It was said that stories circulated about Seabee Betty even in Gulf Port, Mississippi. Vicenta Peredo lived in the village of Yona, where she held these fiestas since 1951. At the fiestas she served all different types of local food to give the Seabees the experience of Chamorro hospitality and to make them feel right at home. Even the Seabees helped to make sure the fiestas would continue when her house was damaged by a typhoon. After the roof of her kitchen collapsed, one of her daughters jokingly said that the Seabees might fix it tomorrow. It actually took the Seabees two days to fix her kitchen. Vicenta Peredo also had fiestas that coincided with the birthdays of the Saints. She would pray for nine days, a novena, then cook a large amount of food and invite the Seabees over to enjoy the fiesta. She also wanted to give the Seabees a place to get away from the Naval Base and enjoy the rest of the island. She was a woman who always thought about the Seabees first and in return she received the rare distinction of being named an honorary Navy Seabee. I join the Peredo family and all the people of Guam in sorrow that Vicenta Peredo is no longer with us, but I am proud to say that she touched so many people during her life. I am also very proud of the way that she reached out to the Seabees and her ability to be a great symbol of the generosity that the people of Guam have to extend to the visitors of the island. We love you Vicenta and our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I am sure she will be remembered by the Seabees with the honor and generosity she showed them in life. She showed us all that one person can make a difference, that one person can affect many lives.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2030 authored by the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Case) honoring the late Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink and naming the Post Office in Maui for her. My association with, and admiration for, Patsy Mink goes back many years to the time that her husband, John, had done some work on Guam. Those of us living in the Pacific islands heard many stories of the legendary Patsy Mink, and it was my good fortune to know her as a friend and a role model. She blazed trails as a woman leader and Pacific Islander that we have eagerly followed and showed us that women can make a huge difference for children and families in our islands. She endorsed my candidacy for Congress just before the November election, 2002. Guam will always remember Congresswoman Patsy Mink, and we will always be grateful for all the causes that she championed on our behalf. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in honoring her for her service and for being a true inspiration for women throughout the Pacific.

Mr. BORDALLO

Mr. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Ms. Janice Perez Atoigue for completing her Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Anthropology at the University of Maryland on May 22, 2003. Janice was always an outstanding student both in high school and at the University of Maryland. She was born on Guam and her family resided in the village of Yigo during her early years. Her family later moved to Maryland where she attended the Talented and Gifted School and Suitland High School. At Suitland she was an honors student in both the Dance and French Programs. While attending at the University of Maryland, she concentrated her studies in Biological Anthropology and was on the Dean's List. The Anthropology Department at the University of Maryland is a respected program, and she took advantage of educational opportunities available on campus and overseas. During the summer of 2002 she studied in Belgium and Germany, where she visited many archeological sites and museums. Just before graduating she completed a senior honor thesis on prehistoric Pacific migration, which reflects her quest for knowledge about the origins of the Pacific, Guam, and her Chamorro heritage. This degree will now open many doors of opportunity for her to continue her education and to pursue a career in the field of anthropology. She plans to do some anthropology work in the Pacific in the future and has accepted an internship at Counterpart International. We all look forward to hearing of Janice's contributions in her profession and we hope she continues to pursue her interest in the cultural roots of our people and our region. I am proud of Janice for her dedication and hard work in completing her undergraduate degree. I also want to take the time to commend Janice's parents, Jacinta and Lawrence Atoigue, who encourage her to do her best. They have every reason to be proud of her achievement. Today I join the Atoigue family and friends in congratulating Janice for her accomplishment and in wishing her the very best in the future.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Pedro Palomo Ada, who we all know affectionately as ``Pete Ada, Jr.'' for being inducted into the Guam Chamber of Commerce's Guam Business Hall of Fame. Pete Ada, Jr. is an icon of the Guam business community who has done many great things for the island of Guam. He is one of Guam's original entrepreneurs. His success as a businessman is rooted in his hard work, ingenuity, and work ethic, which serves as an inspiration for young businessmen and women on Guam. His induction into the Guam Business Hall of Fame is a testament to his outstanding career and his contributions to our community. I join the Guam Chamber of Commerce, our civic organizations, and our island in commending Pete Ada, Jr. and in congratulating him on this lifetime achievement. Mr. Ada began his business career while at college at Saint Thomas Military Academy in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Pete would send shoes and other great bargains to Guam for resale in his parents' retail business. After college, he served as one of the first Chamorro commissioned officers in the United States Air Force and later returned to Guam to help with the family business, Ada's Markets. He transformed his family's retail business into a household name, and later, into a real estate holding company. In the process, he transformed how a whole generation viewed business opportunities on Guam. He is a visionary who saw the potential for new residential developments, commercial real estate developments and new markets. He created opportunities for our island and in the process he helped Guam re-define itself from a military service economy to a strong private sector economy with a robust capital investment sector. Pete Ada, Jr. is presently the Chairman of the investment firm he founded, Ada's Trust and Investment, Inc. and Chairman of Nanbo Guam, Ltd. He is a Director of the Bank of Guam, Pizza Hut of Guam, and Pacific Textiles. He owns 18 commercial properties and is responsible for developing 28 properties throughout his career. As a model citizen, Pete Ada Jr. championed the ROTC program at the University of Guam. He has supported the Boy Scouts and KGTF Public Television, and he has been active in the Air Force's Civilian Advisory Council. He has served as a board member of several government boards, including the Retirement Fund, the Guam Visitors Bureau, the Guam Memorial Hospital, the University of Guam and the Guam Blue Ribbon Education Committee. In addition, he served on the board of the former Medical Center of the Marianas. In recognition of his service, he received an Honorary Doctor of Law degree in 1983 from the University of Guam. Pete Ada, Jr. epitomizes the businessman whose success derives from a motivation to provide products and services that make his community a better place to live, and who has profited as a by-product of that dedication. By his induction into the Guam Business Hall of Fame, he sets a standard for others to emulate. We congratulate him and his proud wife Fe and their family, and we join with all the people of Guam in celebrating his achievement.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Nicole Bordallo Nelson for completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco, for which commencement ceremonies will take place on May 24, 2003. The Psychology Department at the University of San Francisco is a rigorous and highly regarded program. I am proud of Nicole for her tremendous achievement and for her hard work in order to earn this prestigious degree. However, it is her compassion for other people that is most commendable. Besides her many long hours of study and her hard work as a research assistant with the University of San Francisco Psychology Department, Nicole spent much of her free time volunteering for Bay Area homeless rescue missions. It is no surprise that she has excelled at the college level, and I have no doubt that she will continue to serve the community as she pursues a career in the Psychology. Before college, Nicole attended the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, a Catholic school for young women on Guam, and later graduated from St. Paul's School. In addition to her coursework and hours of community service, she excelled as an athlete in soccer and basketball. Today I join Nicole's parents, Deborah Josephine Bordallo and James Earl Nelson in congratulating Nicole on her accomplishment. They were always supportive and responsible parents to Nicole, their only daughter, and they have every reason to be proud of her achievement. But most of all, I want to thank Nicole for making me one very proud grandmother. I know that her grandfather, the late Governor Ricky Bordallo, must be smiling down on her today. God bless you, Nicole, we love you.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the Committee on Armed Services, I rise in support of the bill before us. Let me briefly highlight three provisions of which I am very proud. First, the legislation increases the number of nominations to a military academy that a Delegate may have. Second, the act authorizes a new 5-year pilot program for invasive species eradication on military installations in Guam. Third, the legislation includes two military construction projects for Guam in fiscal year 2004. It authorizes $1.7 million for the construction of the Victor Wharf Fender System for our nuclear submarines, and it authorizes $25 million for the construction of a new medical and dental clinic at Anderson Air Force Base. Much could be said, Mr. Chairman, as to the procedures by which contentious aspects of this legislation have appeared, such as the civil service provisions, but, nonetheless I am pleased that we have taken action to strengthen the defense of our Nation through this piece of legislation. I would like to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), for managing this challenging process.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues this evening to commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and I want to thank the Chairmen of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Mr. Honda and Mr. Wu, for their leadership of the caucus. I would especially like to thank Mr. Honda for organizing this special order which seeks, not only to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our Nation, but also to educate our citizens on the uniqueness of our people. Asian Pacific Americans are a rapidly growing group made up of 49 different ethnicities speaking over 100 different languages and dialects representing 4.5 percent of our population today. Asian Pacific Americans have much to be proud of. In every aspect of American life--business, education, government, the military, in media, sports, entertainment and the arts--you will find prominent Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Here in Congress, more than 30 members past and present have been of Asian and Pacific Island descent representing backgrounds such as Chamorros, Samoans, Native Hawaiians, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Indian and Chinese. As we celebrate the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans in this ``Salute to Liberty'' and with the approach of Memorial Day, it is fitting that we reflect of the thousands of Asian Pacific Islanders who have served in our armed services. In World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and, most recently, the war in Iraq, Asian Pacific Islanders have served with honor and distinction. I am honored by Guam's record of service to the Nation. Men and women from Guam have served in all wars, and they have served in disproportion to their small numbers. Today, let us again acknowledge the sacrifice of Asian Pacific Americans in defense of our country. Common to the Asian and Pacific Island heritage is the sense of family and community. Our concern for our immediate as well as extended family is what encourages us to work harder and strive for a better life for everyone in our community. It is our sense of family that strengthens our commitment to fight against racism, discrimination and injustice, not just of our people, but of all people. Historically, Asians and Pacific Islanders have known much war and strife. They have survived and they have thrived to the benefit of America. So today, as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor all they have done to enrich our lives.

Ms. BORDALLO

Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Shawn Michael Blas for completing his undergraduate degree in Criminology, with a minor in Psychology, at the University of New Mexico. The Criminology major at the University of New Mexico is one of the most highly regarded programs of its kind in the nation. I am proud of Shawn for his tremendous achievement and his many long hours of study in order to earn this prestigious degree. Shawn was always a diligent student and outstanding member of the community while growing up on Guam. In fact, he was valedictorian of his graduating class at Evangelical Christian Academy in Chalan Pago, Guam in 1999. It is no surprise that he has excelled at the college level, and I have no doubt that he will continue to serve the community as he pursues his career in law enforcement I also want to take the time to commend Shawn's parents, Frances and Danny Blas of Dededo, Guam, whom I have known for many years. They have been mentoring and supportive parents to Shawn, their youngest son, and they have every reason to be proud of his achievement. Today I join with Shawn's family and friends in congratulating him on his accomplishment and in wishing him the very best in his future endeavors.