James (Jim) Moylan

Mr. MOYLAN

Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I will take some time this morning to recognize three heroes of Guam who are celebrating milestone birthdays this month. First, there is Mr. Troy Moylan, who is an icon within the business community of Guam. A proud son, husband, father, brother, and family man, Troy continues a tradition of the insurance industry, which is synonymous with the Moylan name in Guam and within the Pacific region. A healthcare czar who has advanced the medical insurance industry in Guam, ensuring greater care for women and children and expanding services to regions with indigent communities, he has helped grow Guam's economy by creating jobs and increasing investments. His generosity to the people of Guam has been evident in many great causes and organizations. Troy is a great conservative, a decent man, and a proud fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Secondly, I recognize Daniel and David Taitano, also known as the Dinga's. Just to place it on the record, the term ``dinga''' refers to twins. These two heroes have served the people of Guam in the capacities of firefighter and customs officer. Daniel is a longtime firefighter in Guam and has placed himself in harm's way to protect his community. From battling wildfires to reassuring individuals in unsafe conditions to delivering kids in ambulances as an EMT, this hero is an icon in Guam. Daniel is famous for ensuring that his brothers and sisters in the fire stations are well fed, as he is a renowned cook. Daniel is also a decent man, a proud son, a good sibling, and certainly a favorite uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He is also a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His brother David has been protecting Guam's community and our borders as a lieutenant in the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency for many years. His efforts have resulted in the interception of drugs and other contraband entering the island, and he has worked diligently to protect Guam's economy through the seizure of counterfeit goods. David has placed himself in harm's way too many times, but he has always stated that it was for the betterment of his community and his island. He is also a decent man, a proud son, a good sibling, and another favorite uncle. This fan of the Dallas Cowboys continues to strive to protect our island. From these historic and sacred Halls of democracy, and on behalf of a thankful Nation and the island of Guam, I thank Troy, Daniel, and David for their service to our community and wish them a happy birthday.

Mr. MOYLAN

Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I join the people of Guam in not only mourning but honoring the late, great Robert D. Camacho, who sadly left this world last week. Bob, as he was known to many, was a man of family and faith first before anything. He was a husband, a father, a veteran, a law enforcement officer, and a friend to many. Bob and I go way back, as we were classmates in our University of Guam Army ROTC days, and he served as my commander at the 368th MP Company Army Reserves in Sumay, Guam. We also worked together at the Department of Corrections, which is where our friendship turned to family, as Bob became the godfather, or nino as we would say, for my eldest daughter Abby. In recent years, Bob has served the community in the capacity as the director of the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, chief of the Guam Airport Authority police department and most recently as the director of Department of Corrections. Bob will be greatly missed, and with this, and under the sacred and historical Hall, on behalf of the Nation and the island of Guam, I would like to thank Robert D. Camacho for his service to the country and to the people of Guam and express our deepest condolences to his wife, Pauline; his children; his family; and friends. Bob, may you rest in peace and adios for now, my friend, until we meet again.

Mr. MOYLAN

Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, a historic and consequential piece of legislation to bring down our skyrocketing energy costs and secure America's energy independence. On my home island of Guam, energy costs have reached historical highs. Less than a year ago, gas prices reached an all-time high of $6.49 a gallon. On average, gas prices are still 40 percent higher than they were before Biden took office. The people of Guam can't continue to face these inflated costs. We must deliver solutions here in Washington to help ease their pain. This administration's misguided energy policies have shackled our economy and penalized hardworking Americans. There is a misguided war on American energy, and that war needs to end now. Let's set the record straight. Critics on the bill claim it is simply a handout to oil and gas companies. This couldn't be further from the truth. The Lower Energy Costs Act is an all-of-the-above energy solution. This legislation streamlines regulatory burdens holding back our infrastructure projects, whether it is a natural gas pipeline or transmission lines from a solar facility--both are held back by the same. It also contains important reforms for not only traditional types of energy but also the energy of tomorrow. With the Lower Energy Costs Act, Republicans are delivering on one of our fundamental campaign promises--to bring gas prices down and to ease the burden on hardworking Americans. We are quite literally keeping the lights on. Many Guam residents constantly live under the growing threat of China and North Korea. We are some, if not the only, Americans who receive warnings during Korean missile tests and whose waters are routinely invaded by Chinese vessels. Standing up to our adversaries is what keeps America strong. Energy security is national security. For too long, we have allowed countries like China and Russia to control energy production and dominate the critical mineral supply chain. Securing our energy independence and critical mineral supply chain ensures that foreign adversaries can't use these resources to threaten or pressure us in the future. This legislation will make sure that the minerals we need for the technologies of tomorrow are sourced clearly, safely, and responsibly right here at home. America has the highest standards for workplace safety and environmental concerns, and we know the conditions in Chinese-operated mines in countries like the Congo are truly horrific. The Acting CHAIR . The time of the gentleman has expired.

Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Chairman, do you want to know the best way to lower global greenhouse gases? Produce the energy right here in America. Do you want to know the best way to secure critical minerals while ensuring minimal impact on the environment? Mine right here in America. Do you want to improve our national security while also giving the economy a boost? Pass the Lower Energy Costs Act today.

Mr. MOYLAN

Mr. MOYLAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the late Jacob Cruz Barnes who sadly left this world earlier this month. Jacob, also known as Jake, was a proud son of Guam and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force who served our great country for over 29 years in uniform. Jake also spent a good number of years ensuring that the many needs of our community were addressed in public service. Unfortunately, the last couple of years were very challenging for Jake and his family as he was unable to get needed care that he required as he fought several medical challenges, including the fight for survival. The simple and decent services were unavailable in Guam for not only Jake, but for many other of our veterans. These are individuals who have put so much on the line to preserve freedom and democracy to our great Nation and our beautiful island of Guam, that this country, this government needs to invest more to ensure when it is their time to obtain reliable care that it is made available for them at home where they can be with their family and loved ones. Sadly, Jake had to relocate to the mainland to obtain additional care. We need to do more. This government needs to take note that Guam has among the highest per capita enlistments in the Nation. We have proud patriots who call Guam their home. We have American citizens who are treated as second- class citizens when it comes to care, whether it be for our veterans or even when it comes to SSI for our disabled residents. We can't say we are a land of opportunity when American citizens on U.S. territory are not provided equity. Jake leaves behind a legacy of leadership, courage, and commitment to his family, our island, and our Nation. I had the honor of serving with his wife, longtime senator and former Speaker in the Guam legislature, Tina Muna Barnes, over the past 4 years. She, too, has always been a staunch advocate for equity when it comes to benefits for our community. I witnessed firsthand the challenges she and her family had to endure to ensure that care was made available for Jake. It wasn't easy. From the Halls of this historic building which represent democracy and freedom, I honor a veteran, a son of Guam, the late Jacob Cruz Barnes. On behalf of the 118th Congress, I express my deepest condolences to his wife, Speaker Tina, his four children, his grandchildren and great- grandchildren, and his many other family members. Jake, thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.

Mr. MOYLAN

Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I take this time to honor the late and great Jose ``Pedo'' Terlaje who left this world recently. A proud son of Guam, Pedo was a husband, a father, and a grandfather. He was also an uncle, a nino, and a primo to many. Pedo proudly served his Nation in uniform, protected his island as a police officer, and represented his community as the mayor of Yona. I was honored to serve with him in the 35th and 36th Guam legislature where as a Senator he tirelessly advocated for the perpetuation of Guam's culture, for veterans, for law enforcement officers, and most importantly, for the people of Guam. I stand here today in the Halls of this historic building to not only recognize and commend Senator Jose ``Pedo'' Terlaje for his many contributions to the country and to our beautiful island of Guam, but also to express the Nation's deepest condolences to his wife, Flo, and to his family. Rest in peace, Primo, until we meet again.

Mr. MOYLAN

Mr. MOYLAN. I would like to take this time to honor and wish Franklin Gutierrez, Jr., a happy birthday. Over the weekend, Frankie G., who is one of Guam's legendary musicians, turned the big 5-0. For decades, Mr. Gutierrez has not only entertained many with his vocal gifts, but he has also nurtured a future generation of musicians in Guam. His band, Rumblefish, is an island icon. Frankie G. is more than just a musician. He is a proud husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. Frankie G. has also served his island as an officer with the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency. He has proudly protected our borders while putting himself in harm's way. From the Halls of the United States House of Representatives, I wish Frankie G. a happy 50th birthday.

Mr. MOYLAN

Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to remember and honor twin sisters Katrina and Leslie. Their story is one of tragedy, as they both are resting with our maker in heaven. Their memories have and shall continue to be shared with their loved ones. Katrina and Leslie were born with disabilities. As they were growing up, they required a caretaker to address their basic needs. These twins were loveable and stole the hearts of those they met. Katrina and Leslie were also emotionally strong. They wanted to be raised like other kids but knew that their conditions were permanent and they wouldn't be able to participate in sports, attend a prom, or get a job. They accepted the reality of their life, but they knew they had each other, and they had a loving family. The two were living in the State of Pennsylvania and received Supplemental Security Income, SSI, benefits that helped their caretaker purchase necessities. Unfortunately, their caretaker, who was their mother, passed away unexpectedly. Leslie and Katrina once again found themselves enduring another unbearable hardship. Because of their conditions and the undertaking it would require to care for not one but two disabled individuals, the sisters were separated. Leslie stayed in the State of Pennsylvania and continued to receive SSI benefits. Katrina was taken in by her mom's sister, who is married to my childhood friend, Dr. John Fegurgur. The couple brought her to Guam, and within 30 days of leaving Pennsylvania, Katrina lost her SSI benefits. Why, you may ask? Because of a Federal inequity which denies American citizens who reside in most territories the rights to secure SSI benefits. This Federal law strips away the financial benefits from American citizens with disabilities who relocate from a State to Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico. We need to change this inequity. Why are U.S. citizens who reside in U.S. territories denied benefits they can attain if they were residing in a State? This is a real case of unfairness. Did you know that Guam has among the highest per capita numbers of enlisted members in the United States armed services throughout the Nation? Yes, we, too, are proud Americans. There have been lawsuits to fix this inequity, and the courts have simply ruled that SSI benefits were created by Congress and, hence, can be changed by Congress. So let's change it and do what is right. Katrina and Leslie are both no longer with us in the world today. In Leslie's final days, she said she sadly wouldn't be able to witness when this wrong would be made right. While neither sister may be here, let us fix this inequity in their names and the names of many others who have been denied this benefit just because they reside in a U.S. territory.