Eni Faleomavaega

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to recognize the chief sponsor and author of this important legislation, my good friend, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price) and I also want to thank the chairman of our Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Lantos, and our ranking member, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, for their support and leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor. Mr. Speaker, last week the United States was reminded once again that amongst the weekly sacrifices of Americans in Iraq, the continuing concern of Iran and the recent developments in Pakistan, there still exists in the geographic center of the Middle East and South Asia a country that faces a growing insurgency that directly threatens its stability and the national security and interests of the United States and its allies. On November 6, a suicide bomber targeted a delegation of members of the Afghanistan National Assembly, or the Wolesi Jirga, killing at least 50 Afghans, including school children, ordinary citizens and half a dozen elected members. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly condemn this attack and to echo again our unified commitment to the stabilization and development of Afghanistan. This House shares a special bond with the Wolesi Jirga, which participates in a partnership in our House Democracy Assistance Commission, and it is indeed a tragedy to see our fellow legislators or parliamentarians be murdered in such a way. A few months ago, this House passed on an overwhelming and bipartisan basis the Afghanistan Freedom Support and Security Act of 2007. This act reaffirmed our long-term commitment to the security and development of Afghanistan by reauthorizing a comprehensive package of assistance to a country in dire need of the international community's support. Mr. Speaker, if there is any lesson to be taken from the tragic events like these, it is that now is the time to act. Poppy cultivation is up multifold, suicide attacks have increased dramatically in the past year, and Afghanistan still suffers as being one of the poorest countries in the world. In that regard, I urge my colleagues in the Senate, the other body, to take up an Afghanistan reauthorization bill as early as possible so that we may help that country drive out the forces of extremism and intolerance and bring the forces of moderation and progress in. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I deeply appreciate the remarks of my good friend and colleague from California and also the author of this legislation. Truly, I echo his sentiments. This is bipartisan proposed legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Does my colleague from Florida have any further speakers?

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price), the author of this proposed bill.

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

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I want to compliment and commend my good friend from New Jersey for a most eloquent statement. Whenever he speaks, I listen; not only as a great advocate and champion of human rights throughout the world, but I cannot think of a more appropriate piece of legislation where his mark is made to the fact that the persecutions that took place among the Jewish people during World War II. Again, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his efforts in bringing this piece of legislation to the floor for consideration.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, given that American Samoa's private- sector economy is more than 80 percent open dependent either directly or indirectly on the U.S. tuna processing and fishing industries, I rise in support of H.R. 3996 which includes a provision to extend IRS 30A tax credits to American Samoa. While I asked for a 10-year extension of our tax credits, I understand that all tax extenders included in this bill received the same extension of 1-year only. Chairman Rangel has also promised to continuing to work with me on a more permanent solution for American Samoa once our local canneries agree on what incentives work best for them. It is unfortunate that StarKist and Chicken of the Sea could not reach agreement in a timely manner regarding whether or not 30A is the best option for them to remain and invest in American Samoa. Earlier this year, both canneries agreed that 30A was the way forward. By mid- year, our canneries were at odds. Our canneries have also been unable to provide Chairman Rangel with a clear indication of whether or not they will stay in American Samoa if they are provided with tax credits. During last Congress, our canneries also failed to provide Chairman Thomas of the Ways and Means Committee with assurances of their commitment to American Samoa. Regardless, I still support 30A tax credits for American Samoa, and especially for our tuna fishing and processing industries. I also support opening up 30A for new investors, too, and I will continue to work with Chairman Rangel to make this, or a similar initiative happen. In the interim, I appreciate Chairman Rangel's support in extending tax credits for American Samoa for an additional year while our canneries go back to the drawing board in an effort to reach agreement.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 505. First, I want to commend the author of this bill, my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Hawaii, for his leadership and tireless efforts in bringing this legislation to the floor for consideration. I also want to commend my good friend the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) for her coauthorship of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall); and the senior ranking member, Mr. Young, for their support of this legislation. This bill is important for many reasons but none more critical than to address the serious needs of the indigenous Native Hawaiians who are the indigenous and aboriginal people who not only inhabited these islands way before Europeans ever arrived, but they are still there, I submit, Mr. Speaker. In 1893 a great injustice took place. The government of the sovereign nation of Hawaii, then ruled by its Queen Liliokalani, was overthrown by U.S. military forces, which later the President of the United States stated that this overthrow of the Queen's government was done without authorization neither from the President nor from the Congress of the United States. It was not until 1993 that Congress passed a joint resolution to acknowledge and apologize on behalf of the United States on the illegal and unlawful overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 and for the deprivation of the rights of Native Hawaiians to self- determination. This is not the first time Congress has shown deference towards the status of the indigenous Native Hawaiians. In the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921, Congress expressed and reaffirmed the ``special'' and ``trust'' relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiians. Moreover, Congress, in passing the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921, also recognized Native Hawaiians as ``a distinct and unique indigenous people.'' This bill sets the institutional framework for the establishment of a relationship between the United States and the indigenous Native Hawaiians just as Congress has done for the indigenous American Indians and the indigenous Native Alaskans. At this point I want to personally commend the gentleman from Oklahoma for his support of this legislation, not only as the cochair of our Native American Congressional Caucus but certainly as a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation from Oklahoma. I cannot think of a better person who understands and appreciates more the plight and sufferings of his own indigenous people, almost an exact replica of the fate of the indigenous people of Hawaii, the Native Hawaiians. I hope my colleagues in their officers have had a chance to listen to Mr. Cole's eloquent statement that he just shared with us. Mr. Speaker, I also want to note the particularly strong support of this bill from the senior ranking member of our committee, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young). In my opinion, the gentleman from Alaska is probably the most recognized expert in this Chamber who understands historically how Congress has also accepted Native Alaskans as a ``trust responsibility'' in the same way that American Indians are treated under the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Speaker, I submit to my colleagues that this should not be a partisan issue. If there are doubts among our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I would strongly suggest consultations with the gentlemen from Oklahoma and Alaska. Mr. Speaker, after 114 years our national government, especially this body, the Congress of the United States, which has plenary authority under the Constitution to deal with issues affecting the rights and general welfare of the indigenous population of our Nation, this bill seeks to correct that remaining group, the indigenous people who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands and later established a sovereign nation and later established treaty relations with other countries, even with our own country. After the unlawful and illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the status of the indigenous people of the Hawaiian Kingdom was never properly addressed by the Congress of the United States. Mr. Speaker, Congress has properly determined that American Indians of the lower 48 States are an indigenous people. We have also declared Native Alaskans as an indigenous people. The only remaining group to be recognized are the indigenous people of the State of Hawaii, some 400,000 Native Hawaiians. Mr. Speaker, this bill is not based upon race. It is a bill to establish a reconciliation process by giving the indigenous Native Hawaiians the same status as we have done for the indigenous American Indians and the indigenous Native Alaskans. I respectfully urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I do want to commend the distinguished gentlelady who serves as Chair of our Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans Subcommittee in the Natural Resources Committee, and I want to associate myself with the comments made earlier by our colleague from the other side of the aisle, the gentleman from Texas. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. This is something that really is important that serves the best interests of our Nation. I know my good friend, the gentleman from Wisconsin, would have been here on the floor, but I am sure he probably had some transportation problems coming here today. I want to commend him especially for his leadership and for the tremendous service that he has rendered in promoting the interests of wildlife and refuge conservation measures, also as a distinguished member of the subcommittee; but I also want to note that I know he would have spoken, and not only in support of a bill that he has sponsored, but certainly for his knowledge and his commitment in dealing with the issues and conservation and wildlife refuges.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1205, to reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. First and foremost, I certainly want to commend the chairman of our Natural Resources Committee, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), for his support and commitment to this important legislation. I also would like to acknowledge the leadership and the tremendous support that we have received from my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Alaska, our senior ranking member, Mr. Young, for his spirit of cooperation and certainly for his support of the bill. Last but not least, I want to recognize especially my good friend, the chairwoman of our Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife, the gentlelady from Guam (Ms. Bordallo). And I want to also commend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert) for his support and management of the bill on the other side of the aisle. I want to thank my good friend, the gentleman and former chairman of the Fisheries and Wildlife Subcommittee, my good friend from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest). I can't think of a better person that knows more about wildlife than the gentleman from Maryland in the years that I've served with him as a member of the Fisheries Subcommittee. I also want to thank my good friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein), for his support of this legislation. I also want to note for my colleagues that the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) is also a cosponsor of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1205, the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2007, is an important piece of legislation because it recognizes that we need to do more now to protect the health of our Nation's coral reefs. We have coral reefs running along the coasts on both sides of the United States, continental United States, especially completely surrounding our U.S. territories. Coral reefs are critically important, not only here in the United States, but around the world, and we should take the lead in protecting such a vital resource. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1205 has carried over key provisions from legislation that I introduced in the previous Congress which had very strong bipartisan support. This legislation will authorize funding for management assistance grants, enhance research and monitoring, implement local action strategies, and also codify the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, which was established by an executive order issued by President Clinton in 1998. More importantly, we have included recommendations from our experts in the current administration as well as from other Members of Congress, and also certainly to enhance the passage of this legislation. This has been a work of some 7 months in consultations. Not only did we have hearings in our subcommittee, we had a markup, also a markup in the full committee for which we received unanimous support. Mr. Speaker, a United Nations report estimates that 60 percent of the world's coral reefs will die off by the year 2030. And with the drastic change to climate as well as the escalation of global warming, our coral reefs are in peril. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1205 affords us an opportunity to take immediate action in conserving and protecting our coral reefs. It is not only critical for our coastal States and territories but, more importantly, for the rest of the world. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. And I would be remiss if I did not recognize the senior staffs of the committee on both sides of the aisle, Ms. Lori Sonken, Mr. Dave Jansen, and my good friend Mr. Dave Whaley for their support and for their work in putting this legislation in such a way that now has the bipartisan support of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Again, this is not a Democratic or Republican bill; it is a bill that will serve the best interests of our Nation.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I just want to note to my colleagues as part of our efforts in preserving the coral reefs is the announcement by President Bush in the last year of the largest marine monument of the world, which is known as the Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument, north of the Hawaiian Islands. It is about 140,000 square miles, a little less than the size of Montana, but about the same size as Germany. It also supports some 7,000 species of animal and marine life, which is so important. I think we need to understand that this is also part of what this legislation proposes. And I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentlelady from Florida, our senior Ranking Member of this Committee for her authorship of H. Res. 676, just as I commend Chairman Lantos also and other Members of this Committee who are supporting this Resolution. Having said this, my question is, is it necessary? I have serious concerns about H. Res. 676 which declares that is should continue to be the policy of the United States, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability. The Taiwan Relations Act of 1978 has always been the basis of how our country has defined its relationship with Taiwan, and there has been no change in the provisions of this Act. The Act allows for the sale of arms to assist Taiwan with its defense capabilities against its enemies which it considers to be the People's Republic of China (PRC). Why then is H. Res. 676 necessary? I also question H. Res. 676 being put forward at a time when all of us know that the situation between Taiwan and China has been extremely tense for weeks and months. While I respect my colleagues' view on H. Res. 676, I disagree with this course of action. We all know that H. Res. 676 is a nonbinding resolution that does not oblige our Government to act but only serves to add fuel to the fire, or exacerbate already tense relations between Taiwan and Beijing. Again, I ask, is this Resolution necessary? Some 15 times now, Taiwan has sought and failed to be formally recognized by the United Nations, and this has caused a heated exchange of responses even among Members of this body. I just returned from Taiwan where I met with Taiwan's President, and the opposition party. I also recently visited China where I met with the Vice President, and other government officials. When I say that relations are tense, I mean it. From both sides, the situation between Taiwan and Beijing is quickly becoming a confrontation which may lead to an outcome none of us wants. I am certain that all of us are committed to a course of action which will avert a crisis, and bring about a peaceful solution in the Taiwan Straits. But I do not believe H. Res. 676 gets us where we want to go. H. Res. 676 is just a reminder that an arms deal is still pending and it is pending because the Administration is having difficulties persuading Taiwan not to seek membership with the UN. Obviously, Taiwan is not listening and does not care what this may mean for the United States and our important, strategic relationship with Beijing. The fact is there is a difference of opinion among the people and leaders of Taiwan about what position Taiwan should take towards Beijing. One of the two major parties advocates peaceful coexistence with the PRC. The other major party and its leaders keep pushing the envelope to the point of forcing Beijing's hand which led to President Clinton having to send two naval battle groups to the Taiwan Straits and almost led to a nuclear confrontation with Beijing. I wonder if my colleagues want to go through this again. Last time, Beijing backed off. But will Beijing back off again? With implications as serious as this, I am hopeful that we will not move forward with this resolution until we have had time to consider a more thoughtful approach, and until Taiwan has time to hold its elections next March. For now, H. Res. 626 can potentially influence the outcome of those elections, as could the sell of F-16s. I suspect this is probably one of the reasons the Administration has been reluctant to proceed with the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan because the Administration also recognizes we should give the people of Taiwan time to determine their future status before acting in ways that could set off a chain reaction in this volatile region of the world. All of us, including Taiwan, know that our United States foreign policy has always been to accept the One-China concept whereby Beijing and Taiwan are to work out their political differences through peaceful means. This said, Taiwan has made significant progress towards a pluralistic and democratic form of government. Taiwan enjoys a free market system and economy that ranks among the top fifteen economies in the world. Taiwan also enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world. Currently, Taiwan conducts over $100 billion in unofficial trade with Beijing. Over the years, millions of Taiwanese have also been able to freely travel to Beijing to be reunited with their families and friends. Beijing is also moving towards a more free market system. China has become one of the top five economies in the world, despite its Socialist Marxist ideology that puts a limitation on greater freedom for its citizens and transparency in government. Beijing is doing its best to feed more than 1 billion people, and we must also credit Beijing for bringing North Korea to the negotiating table, thwarting North Korea's efforts to produce nuclear weapons of mass destruction. Mr. Speaker, do we want to build on the positive? Do we want to avert a crisis? Or, do we want to add fuel to the fire? I submit that H. Res. 626 tilts favorably towards Taiwan, and I suggest to my colleagues that we ought not to pursue this course of action anymore than we should adopt legislation or resolutions that favor China over Taiwan. Having said this, I will not oppose this resolution but I will again ask if it is necessary and, in closing, I will suggest that it is not. I will also suggest that it is in our interest to work collectively and bilaterally with both Taiwan and China to prevent another standoff in the Taiwan Straits.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the resolution being considered.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 238) commending the first democratic elections in Aceh, a province in Sumatra, Indonesia, and expressing support for the further democratic development and implementation of the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank the leadership of our House Foreign Affairs Committee, the distinguished gentleman from California, Chairman Tom Lantos, and our senior ranking member, Congresswoman Ros- Lehtinen, for their support and their leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank our distinguished colleague from New York (Mr. Crowley) for introducing this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, on December 11, 2006, the Indonesian province of Aceh was host to one of the truly exceptional events in recent world history. Only 2 years after a devastating tsunami claimed some 165,000 lives of the people of Aceh, which is a province of Indonesia, and following three decades, almost 30 years, of violent conflict that ravaged this region, the courageous people of Aceh held peaceful and democratic elections. It was an inspiring testament to the human spirit. More than 80 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots in this landmark election. It signaled a new chapter in the lives of the beleaguered people of Aceh and served as a bold demonstration of the power of democracy and diplomacy throughout the world. Diplomacy, Mr. Speaker. This election could not have taken place without the willingness of the Government of Indonesia and the armed fighters of the Free Aceh Movement to take the important step of choosing peace over violence to settle their differences. After decades of bloody battle, the two sides put down their arms and negotiated the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding on August 15, 2006. Mr. Speaker, we have seen it from Northern Ireland to South Africa and around the world. When government and rebel groups are finally willing to lay down their arms and come to the negotiating table, agreements previously thought not possible can suddenly come to fruition. In addition to calling for elections, the Aceh Memorandum of Understanding also calls for the establishment of a Human Rights Court and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, very similar to what happened in South Africa. It is important that these bodies be established without delay so that Aceh can begin to heal and then fulfill its potential. In choosing to settle their dispute peacefully and committing to a democratic process, the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement showed true leadership by putting the people of Aceh first. This resolution commends this bold choice and the elections that it produced, supports the full implementation of the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding, recognizes how far Aceh has come, and expresses hope for the future. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to recognize the leadership of the President of Indonesia, President Susilo Yudhoyono. I know he played a most critical role in bringing about a peaceful solution to the province of Aceh. Just as in my recent discussions with him a couple of months ago, he had given promise that he is also totally committed to the full implementation of the autonomy law that was passed by the Indonesian Parliament to provide for greater democracy and self-rule for the people of West Papua. I know this issue is not related to the Aceh situation, but I do know it is connected to the fact that Jakarta or the Government of Indonesia is the government responsible for what has happened between these two provinces. But I do want to give recognition to President SBY, as he is usually known in Indonesia, for his leadership and for his efforts in bringing finally to a peaceful solution the situation in the province of Aceh. I fully support this resolution, and I ask my colleagues to support its passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend and thank my good friend from New Jersey. I call him the champion of human rights all over the world. Wherever there is violation of human rights, he is there; and I commend him for his efforts all these years that I have been privileged to work closely with him on these issues. Mr. Speaker, I recall years ago Mr. Mandela was accused by a former Prime Minister of Great Britain as being a terrorist. Of course, having served in prison for 29 years, all he was trying to say was that something was wrong in South Africa. They call it apartheid. If that isn't a human rights violation, I don't know what is. But the fact that these two people, the lady and her children and this Canadian citizen, whether it is 2 or 3 or 3 million, our government and this Congress should give every attention as far as to the needs of those people as far as human rights violations are concerned.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3527) to extend for two months the authorities of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3527.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues from California, Mr. Royce and Ms. Sanchez, for their most outstanding statements and their support of this proposed legislation offered by my good friend, the gentleman from New Jersey. It saddens me because of the times and the periods that I have had the opportunity of meeting with several delegations that have represented Vietnam for the past couple of years. As my good friend from New Jersey has stated earlier, they have made a lot of promises. We have taken their promises in good faith, and now we find ourselves in a situation where their promises have been severely questioned. I kind of like to think that when a country makes a promise, they like to keep it. If this is the way Vietnam is doing business, then certainly we ought to do something about it. Again, I want to thank my good friend from New Jersey for his authorship of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3096) to promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam, as amended.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.