Gregorio Sablan

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) as much time as he may consume. (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4484 provides for the conveyance of approximately 80 acres of Forest Service lands to Brigham Young University. We do not object to this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. (Mr. SABLAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire if Chairman Hastings has any additional speakers at this time?

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1237 provides for the exchange of land between the Trinity Public Utilities District in California, the United States Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. We do not object to this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. SABLAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, S. 2009 is primarily concerned with U.S. responsibilities to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the other Freely Associated States in Micronesia, and with a pause in the implementation of federal minimum wage in American Samoa. I certainly support continuing U.S. oversight of the effects of nuclear testing in the Marshalls. And I defer to my colleague from American Samoa with respect to economic policy in his district. In one respect, though, S. 2009 does impact my district, the Northern Marianas Islands. The bill moves a Government Accountability Office report on the effect of minimum wage increases in the Northern Marianas and American Samoa from every two years to every three years. These GAO reports are important. They provide a credible analysis of a complex policy, namely the annual 50 cents increase in the minimum wage in the Marianas. Yet this decision to delay the next GAO report and stretch out the period of time between reports is being made without benefit of a hearing in this House. Neither businesses nor workers, who are impacted by the minimum wage increases in my district, have had a chance to be heard from. Last year, in part based on the GAO's findings, I supported a one- year break in the wage increase. Looking ahead to next year, I had hoped to have another GAO report to guide any decision about--perhaps--skipping another year. But S. 2009 will leave us without benefit of the GAO's advice. And I believe this House needs that guidance. I will not object to passage of S. 2009, but I do regret that this House did not follow its regular order before bringing the measure to the floor.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation that will amend the National and Community Service Act, as amended by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, to make the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands eligible for the Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants under that Act. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program awards intermediary nonprofit organizations with funding to provide development training to small and mid-sized nonprofits on best practices, financial planning, grant writing, and compliance with applicable tax laws. In my district, we have hard working nonprofit organizations and advocates who commit themselves to truly noble causes. Whether it is the protection of families from domestic violence or raising funds to find a cure for cancer, nonprofits work tirelessly for the greater good of all members of our community. The technical correction I offer here today would allow organizations in the Northern Marianas and other U.S. territories an equal opportunity to apply for federal funds to increase the effectiveness of nonprofits and to expand their impact within their communities. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and allow the U.S. territories an equal opportunity to compete for this program.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, let me say at the outset that my amendment requires absolutely no Federal spending, nor is it in any way a precursor to future Federal spending. All I am proposing is that private businesses that may want to invest in the Northern Marianas and offer ship repair services to the United States military not be barred from that investment by Federal law. We often hear it said that the Federal Government should not pick winners and losers. Yet under current law, naval vessels with a home port in the U.S. are prohibited from being overhauled, repaired, or maintained in a shipyard in the Northern Mariana Islands. My amendment fixes that inequity. It proposes to include the Northern Marianas as a U.S. jurisdiction where our military vessels may be serviced. It opens the opportunity for private businesses to do this work in the Marianas. Businesses may not take advantage of the opportunity, we do not know, but there is no reason for our laws to foreclose this investment if it is feasible from a business point of view. We also do not know whether the Navy will ever need repair capacity in the Northern Marianas, but we do know that the Department of Defense is realigning our forces to focus on Asia and the Pacific. We know that one area of impending buildup of military assets is the Marianas. So although there are sufficient repair facilities now, it would make good strategic sense for the Navy to have the option at least to repair its vessels in any U.S. jurisdiction in the Pacific region if that ever becomes necessary. I can say for the record that the Navy has told me it has no opposition to my amendment. Governor Calvo, the Republican Governor of Guam, and the management of Guam's shipyard, who might be concerned about competition, instead actively support my proposal. They recognize that repair facilities in the Northern Marianas could at some point complement, not compete, with Guam and build the regional economy. Governor Fitial, Republican Governor of the Northern Marianas, also supports changing the Federal law. The Marianas have been hit hard by recession. Lifting the existing prohibition on business investment could help our economy and help create jobs. I urge my colleagues to support this no-cost, commonsense amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. Office of the Governor of Guam, Adelup, Guam, May 17, 2012. Hon. Howard ``Buck'' McKeon, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Adam Smith, House of Representatives, Washington, DC Dear Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith: In 2008, Congress passed PL 110 229, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008. This legislation was designed to alleviate the economic disadvantages created by the changes in visa requirements for our northern neighbor, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), thus ensuring that the CNMI would be on equal footing with the rest of the United States in regard to economic development opportunities. In order to avoid adverse economic impact on the CNMI PL 110 229 emphasized the economic synergies that could be generated from a regional economic approach which included Guam and the CNMI, as evidenced by PL 110 229's creation of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. Another area of economic opportunity for the CNMI that I believe could be generated through the regional economic approach is the amendment to 10 USC Sec. 7310 to allow U.S. Navy and U.S. flagged vessels to be repaired in the CNMI, as well as in the United States and Guam. The law was amended in 2006 to include Guam, and it would economically benefit the CNMI if it was further amended to include the CNMI. Already, I understand that several companies have expressed interest in establishing a ship repair facility in the CNMI, and I believe that such an economic opportunity would be consistent with regional economic intent of PL 11 229. In order to expedite the elimination of this current barrier to the CNMI's development, Representative Sablan of the CNMI has submitted H.R. 4338. Respectfully, I request your positive consideration and support of H.R. 4338. I believe H.R. 4338 would ensure that our region is able to both benefit from the incredible changes which are taking place in our communities, as well as to allow us to support the vital needs of the United States in the future to the maximum extent of which we are capable. Thank you for your consideration of my request. Sincerely, Eddie Baza Calvo. Guam Shipyard, Naval Activities Branch, Santa Rita, Guam, May 18, 2012. Hon. Madeleine Z. Bordallo, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congresswoman Bordallo: I write in support of legislation to expand domestic ship repair locations covered by Section 7310 of Title 10 to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Currently, Section 7310 requires that vessels under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Navy, with a homeport in the United States or Guam, be overhauled, repaired and maintained in the United States or Guam, except in the case of voyage repairs. In March 2012 Congressman Sablan of the CNMI introduced H.R. 4338 which would amend Subsection (a) of Section 7310 10 by striking ``the United States, or Guam'' in each place where it appears, and replacing it with ``the United States, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands''. More recently, Congressman Sablan offered an amendment to H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 13, which would have the same effect. At present, there is no shipyard in CNMI capable of overhaul, repair and maintenance of Navy ships. However, Guam Shipyard is in discussions with Governor Fitial, about leasing land at the Seaport to set up a small ship repair facility in Saipan. We believe there is a market there for fishing and other small vessels, and perhaps even small Navy vessels. However, the water depth and other physical constraints of the harbor at Saipan would not permit its use to overhaul, repair and maintain the large Navy ships which form the bulk of the work at Guam Shipyard. Thus, the shipyard we contemplate opening in Saipan would not compete with Guam Shipyard for the work it currently performs for the Navy. As always, we greatly appreciate the leadership and long- standing support you have provided on behalf of domestic repair of Navy vessels, and especially ship repair in Guam. Your dedicated engagement in Washington on behalf of Guam Shipyard, has been instrumental in ensuring it remains a shipyard facility, ready and able to meet Navy ship repair requirements in the Western Pacific, now and in the future. Sincerely, Mathews Pothen, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Chairman, I agree with my good friend and colleague from Hawaii that there is no need for large vessel repairs. Those are being presently performed in Honolulu, Hawaii, or on Guam. Actually, the letter to Ms. Bordallo from Guam shipyard actually says this. It says the water depth and other physical constraints of the harbor of Saipan would not permit its use to overhaul, repair, and maintain large Navy ships, which form the bulk of work at Guam shipyard. So there is no disagreement with my good friend from Hawaii on this. Thus, the shipyard we contemplate opening in Saipan would not compete with Guam shipyard for the work it currently performs for the Navy. We're not asking for anything here. We're just asking for the authorization. It may not happen. But then again, it may. And we're not asking for money here. We're asking for authorization so that private businesses who want to do it, who find some capacity to do it, can come in and establish a shipyard or a small repair yard on Saipan in the Northern Marianas and do the work and compete for the business. And that's what we need to do here. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Chairman, I have no more speakers. I just urge my colleagues to join me in support of the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to a great American success story. Today marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the United States Department of Agriculture. President Abraham Lincoln founded USDA, as it's commonly called, and directed its focus to advancing America's agriculture industry through science and engineering. Today, our country's advanced system of production agriculture is evidence of how successful we are by being the world leader in food production, conservation innovations, in the development and use of agricultural biotechnology that helps produce biofuels, as well as helping farmers export their products that contribute to our positive balance of agricultural trade. And so, Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute and extend my personal best wishes to USDA on its 150th anniversary. I also congratulate Secretary Vilsack and all the fine men and women who work or have worked in the Department, and I wish them another 150 years of success.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, this year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. Since We the People began in 1987, more than thirty million high school students and ninety thousand teachers have participated in this valuable program that promotes a deeper understanding of the constitutional principles that shape and guide our nation, and instills a sense of civic responsibility in young people. We the People is an instructional program that enhances students' understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy. Through the program, students discover the relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights in present day terms. The We the People program is directed by the Center for Civic Education and funded by Congress through the Education for Democracy Act. This is a program Congress should continue to support. Teams qualify for the National Finals by prevailing in their regional or state competitions. The national competition is held through a series of simulated congressional hearings, during which students testify as constitutional experts before panels of judges acting as congressional committees. The program enjoys the active participation of members of Congress, as well as support from educational, professional, business, and community organizations across the nation. This year, more than fourteen hundred students from every part of our country will take part in the National Finals here in Washington. The competition will test students' knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, showcasing their intelligence, determination, and teamwork. I want to recognize the 24 exceptionally talented and hard working students from Saipan Southern High School in the Northern Mariana Islands, who return to the Finals as repeat regional champions. They have spent many long hours studying and preparing for the competition. Working together and striving for excellence are defining traits of this team. I congratulate them and their teachers and coaches, and wish them all success in this year's We the People competition. Let me acknowledge each student by name: Ms. Maria Louise Babriela Atrero; 1Mr. Rufino Aquino, Jr.; Ms. Angelica Awa-Ao; Ms. Akioni Nadine Babauta; Ms. Chelsea Marie Bartolo; Ms. Vanessa Rome Bartolo; Ms. Yunika Mae Biado; Ms. Rachel Nadine Borja; Mr. Don Marshall Davis Cabrera; Ms. Yoon Jae Chung; Ms. Teri-Sue Corpuz; Mr. Derick Dela Cruz; Ms. Jinky Marie Kintaro; Ms. Ji Won Lee; Ms. Allysha Hillary Lloren; Mr. Edward John Manibusan; Ms. Momoko Belle Nishikido; Mr. David Kido Paek; Ms. Rina Park; Mr. Seong Jin Park; Ms. Christine Maebelle Roque; Ms. Christina Marie Sablan; Mr. Mike Aries Vargas; Mr. Keisuke Yoshida. I would also like to acknowledge the remarkable work and guidance by the team's coordinator Mr. Andrew Golden, coaches Justice John A. Manglona, Deanna Manibusan Manglona, and Charlotte Sanders, student coach Carmen Borja, and Public School System representative Stephen Smith.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, this year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. Since We the People began in 1987, more than 30 million high school students and 90,000 teachers have participated in this valuable program that promotes the understanding of the constitutional principles that shape and guide our Nation and instills a sense of civic responsibility in young people. This year, more than 1,000 students from every part of our country will take part in the National Finals here in Washington. The competition will test students' knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, showcasing their intelligence, determination, and teamwork. I want to recognize 24 exceptionally talented and hardworking students from Saipan Southern High School in the Northern Mariana Islands who return to the Finals as repeat regional champions. Working together and striving for excellence are defining traits of this time. I congratulate them and their teachers and coaches, and wish them all success in this year's We the People competition.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing a bill that will allow the Northern Mariana Islands to be eligible for Employment Service Programs by amending the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933, as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The Employment Service Programs provide funds to establish a nationwide system of public employment offices and One-Stop Career Centers across the United States. These centers have successfully connected millions of job seekers with employers throughout the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. The legislation I am introducing today, in remedying the statutory absence of the Northern Mariana Islands from the definition of ``State,'' will allow for the expansion of the federal Employment Service network to the NMI, thereby contributing to both the local and National economy by supporting the development of an experienced, motivated, and most importantly, employed American workforce. Should the Commonwealth government choose to apply for this grant, the funds could be used to stand up One-Stop Centers in the NMI that would help those searching for work find jobs and help local employers find qualified workers. These Centers provide services that have a proven record of success in hundreds of locales throughout the United States. Our national economy is still pulling itself out of the deepest recession since the 1930s. The economy in the NMI is in even worse condition, however, with declines in GDP every single year since 2004. This bill provides for the possible extension of a federal program that is helping address unemployment around our Nation to the one place, perhaps, that needs help the most, the Northern Marianas. The employment services the Wagner-Peyser programs provide have proven effective in facilitating the connection between the employers' demand for employees and the labor market's abundant supply of a willing workforce. That is why I ask my colleagues to support this bill. We have to do more in this Congress for U.S. workers. This is not a new program. This is not a fundamental amendment to the intent of the Act. This bill merely offers equal treatment to the Northern Marianas in giving them the chance to access funding to support our local businesses and workers in need.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, 40 years ago, on March 16, 1972, a young couple in the Northern Mariana Islands, Abed E. Younis and Maria Paz Castro Younis, wrote, edited, printed, and distributed the very first issue of the Marianas Variety News & Views, now the oldest local newspaper on our islands. The Variety provides its readers with extensive local news and views. It also carries reports of the region, the United States, the world, as well as interesting and in-depth feature stories and a thought- provoking opinion section. These days, the community served by the Variety has expanded beyond the shores of the Northern Marianas. The paper is published and circulated locally, regionally, nationally, internationally, and online. For its journalistic excellence, the Variety is the winner of numerous awards. The Variety is also a strong community partner, contributing to numerous nonprofit organizations, events and activities, and encouraging those interested in the business and craft of journalism and publishing. Please join me in congratulating Abed and Paz Younis, their family, and all of their past and current employees and colleagues at the Marianas Variety News & Views for the newspaper's 40 years of service to our community.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, forty years ago, on March 16, 1972, a local couple in the Northern Mariana Islands, Abed E. Younis and Maria Paz Castro Younis, wrote, edited, printed, and distributed the first issue of the Marianas Variety News & Views. So began the life of what is now the oldest local newspaper in our islands--on a table-top printer in a small commercial space they called Younis Art Studio. The Variety, as the paper is now more succinctly known, still provides its readers with extensive local news and views. It also carries reports of the region, the United States and the world, as well as interesting and in-depth feature stories. The Variety includes a thought-provoking opinion section, where the public can air its views, and where the Variety itself regularly takes an editorial stand on the issues of current political, social, and economic import in the islands. Always, though, the Variety is a publication independent at heart without ties to business or political interests. The mission it serves is to deliver the latest news to our community in a fair and even-handed manner. These days, the ``community'' served by the Variety has expanded beyond the shores of the Northern Marianas. The paper is published and circulated each Monday through Friday in the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia. There are print subscribers far and wide: in the South Pacific, the Philippines, Hawaii, Japan, and the mainland U.S. And the Variety's widely-viewed website, www.mvariety.com, reaches an even more extensive audience and allows its readers to content with comments about the published stories and issues of concern and to interact with one another and share ideas in a forum that is constantly expanding. The Variety is a member of the Associated Press, Reuters, and the Pacific Island News Association and has received a number of notable awards including ``Best Newspaper,'' ``Best Editorial Writing ,'' and ``Best News Photography'' from the Society of Professional Journalists--NMI Chapter, an NMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism, Best Online Edition of a Pacific Island Newspaper, and an Environmental Achievement Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Over the years, the Variety has been a strong community partner, donating to and assisting numerous non-profit organizations, events, and activities, as well as creating community projects such as its own School Newspaper Program, through which elementary and high school students learn about the news trade by publishing their own school newspapers. The Variety also offers great on-the-job training opportunities, including annual internships for individuals interested in journalism, graphic arts, marketing and sales, web press technique, and other aspects of publishing. As the newspaper has expanded physically and geographically, so too has the Younis family's involvement in day-to-day operations. All six of Abed and Paz's children--Banny, Laila, Farah, Amier, Suaad, and Salam--grew up around and matured with the Variety. Today, three of those children have followed their parents' footsteps into the newspaper business. Laila Younis Boyer is now the president of the local corporation, while her brother Amier serves as the publisher of the newspaper's sister edition on Guam and their brother Salam is the operations manager of the Saipan office. Please join me in congratulating Abed and Paz Younis, their family, and all of their past and current employees and colleagues at the Marianas Variety News & Views for the newspaper's forty years as an important provider of local, regional, and international news, a strong community partner, and a successful member of the business community in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, forty years ago--on July 24, 1972--Tan Siu Lin, arrived in Guam from Hong Kong with a young family, one cargo ship, and plenty of ambition. He began buying surplus materials from the military in Guam and shipping those goods around the Western Pacific while distributing American movies, an especially prized commodity, to the islands. Over the years, Doctor Tan, along with his wife Lam Pek Kim, and their children, Henry, Willie, Lilly, Raymond, Jerry, and Sunny, nurtured their small, homegrown enterprise into the 40,000-employee, international powerhouse of affiliated companies that it is today. From tourism, to insurance, logistics, information, and entertainment, Tan Holdings is vital to the economies and communities of the island Pacific. The Tan family has not only brought employment and economic opportunity to our islands, they have brought our islands to the world. Tan Holdings is our region's premier exporter of tourism and importer of tourists. Starting with Century Travel Agency in 1992, then with the addition of the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan, the Fiesta Resort and Spa Guam, and the Saipan Grand Hotel, the Tans have contributed significantly to the islands' economic mainstay of tourism. Even when times have been difficult, Tan Holdings President Jerry Tan has declared, as he did this past January keynoting the Saipan Chamber of Commerce's annual gala, his company's campaign to ``Believe in CNMI,'' and backed up that declaration by confirming that Tan Holdings would soon be launching a new airline. Saipan Air will initially bring tourists from Japan and China to the Mariana Islands, but no doubt with Tan Holding's business acumen, the airline will soon be a force throughout the Asia-Pacific Region. Tan Holdings is no stranger to the airline industry. In 1991, the company established POI Aviation to provide ground-handling services for Northwest Airlines, Asiana Airlines, United Airlines, Korean Air, and other private airlines. And in 1999, the company began operating Asia Pacific Airlines, which provides air cargo services to the region's tuna fishing industry. Nor is Tan Holdings limited to tourists and airplanes. Through its subsidiary Century Insurance Groups the company is the number one property and casualty underwriter in the Marianas. Tan Holding's Realty Management Services owns and operates approximately 150 residential apartment units on the island of Saipan. And Tan Holdings developed one of the preeminent buildings in our islands: TSL Plaza, which is a flagship for their commercial real estate holdings in Micronesia. The Tan portfolio includes Cosmos Distributing and Dickerson & Quinn International Distributors, bringing some of the world's best-known consumer brands to island businesses and residents, names such as Procter & Gamble, Campbell's, Gillette, Nabisco, Cadbury, and General Mills. In Guam the public benefits from the company's investment in Tango Theaters, which provide world-class movie viewing at seventeen screens in the Micronesia Mall and Agana Shopping Center. And in Saipan the community gets its daily news from the Saipan Tribune, which has been a trusted outlet of information since 1993. One of the greatest contributions of the Tan family and Tan Holdings to our community, however, has been the establishment of the Tan Siu Lin Foundation. Although the Tan family has been generous to the island community throughout all of Tan Holdings' 40 years, the formal establishment of the Tan Siu Lin Foundation in 2009, heralded a new beginning in regional philanthropy. The TSL Foundation has donated millions of dollars to deserving, nonprofit, educational, athletic, and community ventures in our islands. Guided by its motto of ``iServe. iGive back.'' the Foundation has not only donated from its corporate proceeds, but has also encouraged philanthropy at the grass-roots level--through its employees. The social responsibility practiced and taught by the TSL Foundation will be as enduring in our islands as any of the Tan Holdings businesses. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Tan Siu Lin, and his family, for their 40 years of contribution to the commerce, economy, and livability of the Northern Mariana Islands and all of Micronesia.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Madam Speaker, 40 years ago, Dr. Tan Siu Lin founded what is known as Tan Holdings, the largest private employer in the Northern Mariana Islands. Over four decades, Dr. Tan, together with his wife and their children, nurtured their small, homegrown business into an international powerhouse. Tan Holdings has become one of the region's most important tourism businesses, with hotels, booking agencies, and, soon, an airline, Saipan Air. The company also provides personal and corporate insurance, distributes some of the world's best known consumer goods in our islands, is active in real estate, and publishes a newspaper. In addition to these business accomplishments, Tan Holdings has established the Tan Siu Lin Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to deserving causes and activities in our islands, setting an example of social responsibility. Please join me in congratulating Tan Holdings for its 40 years helping to build the economy of the Northern Mariana Islands and economies throughout Micronesia.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, we have to ensure that U.S. workers get jobs. So, today I am introducing legislation that requires that on federally funded construction projects in my district, the Northern Mariana Islands, at least 60 percent of the workforce has to be U.S. workers. It is just common-sense: U.S. dollars should employ U.S. workers. There is a threshold. This legislation only applies to projects that cost more than $100,000. We do not want to enact a law that unnecessarily delays spending or over-regulates business. But for larger projects funded with federal dollars--and in the Northern Marianas this means road construction, modernizing schools, putting in water lines--we need to make sure that the local, U.S. workers get most of the jobs. We need to make a stand for U.S. workers and for the families they support. I know that our national economy is still pulling itself out of the worst recession since the 1930s. Although we have seen almost 4 million jobs created in the last two years, we still have unacceptably high levels of unemployment. But, if you can imagine, in the Northern Marianas the situation is worse--and not improving. Even before the national recession began our economy was sinking. Our island gross domestic product has gone down every year since 2005--20 percent in 2009, the last year the Bureau of Economic Analysis has computed. We do not have unemployment data for the Northern Marianas, but we do know that our population has shrunk from 69,000 in 2000 to 54,000 in 2010. People have left because jobs have disappeared. I can say from personal observation and from talking with my constituents that there are many people in the Northern Marianas who want work and cannot get a job. I know, too, that many of the local, U.S. workers in the Marianas, who want to work are being passed over for the jobs that do exist. We have something like 11,000 foreign workers today in the Northern Marianas. One has to ask: how can we have so many foreign workers, when there are U.S. workers unemployed, who want to work. Something is not right. The workers I talk to have skills. They have a good work ethic. They are employable. Yet they are being passed over. We have to do more in this Congress for these U.S. workers. At the very least, we can say that when we appropriate federal dollars for construction projects in the Northern Marianas, those funds will put U.S. workers on the payroll. We are not even asking that all the workers be U.S. workers, only that most are U.S. workers. We understand that there may be some specialty skills U.S. workers do not have. Maybe there will be numerical shortages that need to be filled. But as long as we know that there are U.S. workers, who want jobs, who need to work, then let us make very sure that the federal dollars we provide to the Northern Mariana Islands put those U.S. workers to work.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. I rise in support of H.R. 1162, legislation sponsored by the esteemed ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks). Events in Japan, Indonesia, and elsewhere have demonstrated the devastation that can be caused by tsunamis. The Quileute people live in a dangerous zone, and we fully support this legislation to allow the Quileute to move key facilities to higher ground. I would note, however, that this version of H.R. 1162 is only half of the bill, as introduced. The Quileute, Mr. Dicks, the National Park Service, and other stakeholders had negotiated over many years a version of this legislation that not only provided safety for the Quileute but also sought to address the resource needs of Olympic National Park. The park portion of this bill was removed by the majority despite the fact that the bill represented a popular negotiated compromise. During consideration of this measure in the Natural Resources Committee, the chairman suggested that the park portion of the original bill be introduced as a second bill to be moved separately. Mr. Dicks has taken this advice, and we hope to see H.R. 3222 on the House floor in the very near future. Mr. Dicks is to be commended for his diligent work on behalf of the Quileute people and Olympic National Park. I urge adoption of H.R. 1162, and I reserve the balance of my time.