Gregorio Sablan

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 276, a bill to provide more reliable air service to the people of American Samoa for air travel within American Samoa. The Northern Mariana Islands are similar to American Samoa in many ways. Although the large majority of our population resides on Saipan, I have also several thousand constituents residing on the islands Tinian and Rota. We are fortunate that air travel between these islands is possible with the presence of commercial air travel. Unfortunately, in American Samoa, there are no U.S. carriers operating a route between Tutuila and Manu'a. So Polynesian Airlines, based out of Samoa, is the only carrier operating that route. H.R. 276, introduced by my good friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from American Samoa (Mrs. Radewagen), presents a commonsense approach to cut red tape and allow regular flights to continue between these islands. It would help the people of American Samoa conduct business, visit relatives, and access health care. It has my full support, and I ask the House to pass this commonsense legislation.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge all of my colleagues for the adoption of H.R. 538. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of the bill, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, wow, just listening to my good friend from California explain and give us a description of what happened in the life of this American hero, Sergeant Sky Mote, I am truly touched by the many other stories that I have heard from families of our men and women in uniform, our veterans in service of our country. And as we have just heard, this bill designates a mountain peak in the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra National Forest in California as ``Sky Point'' in recognition of a fallen Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Sky Mote. Sky served our country honorably as a U.S. marine for 9 years. He had a tour of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. By designating that mountain as ``Sky Point,'' it will honor his memory and ensure his selfless sacrifice for his country and fellow marines is not forgotten. We passed this legislation last Congress by voice vote, and I urge that we do the same again today. I thank my good friend, the distinguished gentleman from California, for introducing this bill today. As I have no further speakers, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Rob Bishop for allowing my bill to come to the floor again. We passed the same bill in the House on December 6, but the Senate adjourned 3 days later without acting, and the problem has not gone away. The economy of the Northern Mariana Islands grew 3.5 percent last year, the fourth straight year of growth for my district. This strong economic expansion is good news for the people I represent. We desperately want this growth to continue because our economy is still smaller than it was in 2000. The Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act addresses that problem and is broadly supported back home. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters of support from Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; from the Commonwealth's Strategic Economic Development Council; the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation; the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands; and from the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. CNMI Strategic Economic Development Council, December 1, 2016. Hon. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Sablan: The CNMI Strategic Economic Development Committee is in strong support of H.R. 6401, critical legislation that will provide short-term relief from the labor shortage threatening the growth of the Northern Marianas economy. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates the Commonwealth economy grew for the fourth consecutive year, a recent high of 3.5 percent. This is attributable to increased private investment and tourism now threatened by the lack of available qualified workers on the island. The modest one-year increase in Commonwealth-Only Transitional Workers (CW) proposed under H.R. 6401, will provide the business community with the necessary human resources to continue to operate and propel an expanding economy. It is imperative that we do not stymie our plan for fixture economic growth, now beginning to come to frutition, with a labor shortage in critical areas. The bill also provides additional funds for the job training/education programs proven effective at expanding the pool of qualified and skilled U.S. workers in the CNMI. The CNMI Strategic Economic Development Council fully supports H.R. 6401 and appreciates all of your efforts in addressing the labor crisis in the Northern Marianas. Very truly yours, Alexander A. Sablan, Sub Committee Chairman, Labor & CW Task Force, CNMI Strategic Economic Development Committee.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank again Chairman Rob Bishop of the Natural Resources Committee for his understanding and support. I also thank Chairman Don Young who held a hearing on this issue last September and agreed that action was needed. I appreciate the support of Ranking Member Raul Grijalva and our new Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee Ranking Member Norma Torres. Mr. Speaker, I am indebted to the minority whip, Mr. Hoyer, and to the majority leader, Mr. McCarthy, and to my friend Mr. McClintock of California who agreed to bring H.R. 339 to the floor today. I ask for support of H.R. 339. Having no further speakers, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill authorizes the National Park Service to conduct a special resource study of Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York. Fort Ontario was a military installation used during the French and Indian Wars, which was later used to house refugees fleeing the Nazi Holocaust during World War II. Many Americans remember our Nation's role in World War II through events like the Invasion of Normandy or the Battle of Iwo Jima, closer to my district, which have been re-imagined in film and memorialized in stone, but the story of Fort Ontario is an equally important component of our historical legacy. Providing physical refuge from persecution says as much about our national character as the bravery and sacrifice of the millions of Americans who were deployed overseas. The site has been managed as a New York State historic site since 1949 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. The study authorized by this bill will look into the best available options for the continued preservation and management of Fort Ontario, including the possibility of turning it into a unit of the National Park System. Fort Ontario has had many uses throughout our Nation's history, and it has had a particularly relevant place in the story of Jewish Americans. As we work to ensure that our public lands tell the story of all Americans, Fort Ontario and its unique story could be a fitting addition. This bill passed the House last September but was, unfortunately, not acted upon by the Senate. I would like to thank Representative Katko, the sponsor of this bill, for his continued efforts to ensure the Nation knows about the story of Fort Ontario. This is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption and support of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 374 would reward the States of California, Oregon, and Washington for their long legacy of successful cooperative management of the West Coast Dungeness crab fishery in Federal waters. These States have, with oversight from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, managed this fishery sustainably, and this bill would make that management arrangement permanent. The specifics of the Dungeness crab fishery, including robust stock assessments, accurate catch reporting, and little conflict between commercial and recreational crabbers, make regional management a good choice. This is basically the opposite of a fishery like Gulf of Mexico red snapper, where there is a lack of cooperation among States and fishing sectors. I agree with the goals of this legislation, and I ask my colleagues to stand with me in support. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of H.R. 374, and I have no further speakers. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill adjusts the boundary of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Georgia to include two historically significant structures, the Wallis House and Kolb's Farm, and to assist in the preservation of the story of the Atlanta campaign. Additionally, the bill authorizes the National Park Service to acquire by donation approximately 8 acres that will be added to the Kennesaw National Battlefield Park. The Civil War was a significant event in the history of this country and remains relevant as we grapple with the civil rights discussions today. The preservation of these sites reinforces Congress' dedication to equality and enables the National Park Service to interpret and tell our national story. I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk) for continuing to support the preservation of the history of this great country. This bill passed the House last Congress by voice vote, and I encourage its swift adoption today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I urge the adoption of the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill, H.R. 560, amends the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act to extend a waiver for certain commercial traffic on U.S. Route 209, a federally owned highway that runs through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. When Congress decided to restrict commercial traffic on the portion of the highway that runs through the recreation area, the law included an exemption for certain vehicles that belong to nearby businesses and municipal governments. This bill provides a 5-year extension of that exemption in order to facilitate continued access for local residents. The National Park Service, which manages the area, supports the bill; and it passed the House, as my colleague from California mentioned, last year by voice vote. I urge my colleagues to support the adoption of this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate my colleague, Mr. Marino, for his leadership and his effort in the introduction and efforts towards the hopeful passage of H.R. 560. I want to also thank my good friend from California for this afternoon's wonderful time managing these six bills. I urge the passage of H.R. 560. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, August 11, 1956 marks a watershed moment in the history of the Northern Mariana Islands. That was the day that Saipan Shipping, Incorporated, was established, setting the Marianas on a course for economic resiliency and self-sufficiency that endures today. Seven years before the founding of Saipan Shipping, in the aftermath of World War II, Jose C. ``Joeten'' Tenorio started a small grocery story in Chalan Kanoa, Saipan. What started out as a way to help deliver goods to local customers eventually developed into one of the largest businesses in the Marianas. However, as Joeten's business grew, he ran into a major obstacle: In 1956, regular Japanese liners from the war were gone, the Trust Territory government ships did not run regularly, and cargo bound for Saipan often sat in port on Guam for days or even weeks. The lack of reliable and affordable shipping service to Saipan increased the costs of goods shipped to a small and struggling island economy. Not content to accept the status quo, Joeten decided to do something about it. He reached out to family and friends to buy 100 shares in a start-up shipping company, and, on August 11, 1956, they formed Saipan Shipping Company, Incorporated. The company began with its first vessel, the M/V Hope, which was purchased for $50,000 from Kenneth T. Jones Jr., President of Jones and Guerrero Company, Incorporated, on Guam. The converted minesweeper with twin screws and a wooden hull made weekly runs between Guam and Saipan, as well as occasional trips to the Northern Islands to pick up copra, which was sold to Japanese purchasers at the time. The boat also collected brass, copper, and other metals left from the war on the islands. Often these goods were delivered to Japan directly by the M/V Hope when it sailed there each year to dry-dock. In May 1962, Saipan Shipping purchased the M/V Four Winds, also a former military and CIA vessel, from Bruan Shipping in Delaware. The Four Winds traveled a regular route between Saipan and Japan. However, soon after the acquisition of the M/V Four Winds, Saipan Shipping would be challenged by two catastrophes. In November of 1962, just months after the acquisition of the Four Winds, the M/V Hope was struck by another vessel, the Guam Bear, which rendered the Hope unseaworthy. Days later, on November 11, Super Typhoon Karen hit Guam, sinking the Hope while it was in dry dock on Guam. Despite these twin calamities, Saipan Shipping bounced back by taking the M/V Four Winds out of the Japan run to handle the local service run between Guam and Saipan, as well as quarterly trips to the Northern Islands. Saipan Shipping continued to evolve in the years that followed. In 1965, the company began chartering the M/V Ran Annim from the Trust Territory government. In 1966, after the M/V Four Winds was sold, the Ran Annim serviced the local route exclusively, until three years later, when it was replaced by the M/V Mas Mauleg, a larger vessel with passenger capacity. In 1971, Saipan Shipping purchased the M/V Normar for local service and chartered the M/V Mas Mauleg to Micronesian Interocean Lines, Incorporated, a shipping company serving all the Micronesian islands. When Interocean Lines went bankrupt in 1974, Saipan Shipping saw an opportunity. The company started a joint shipping venture with Kyowa Shipping Company Limited, which marked the beginning of over 15 years of Saipan Shipping service to Micronesia and a partnership that endures to this day. The charters, however, were terminated in the late 1970s due to high costs caused by the global fuel crisis. Despite that termination, Saipan Shipping maintained service to Micronesia and the South Pacific by facilitating voyage space charters on the Kyowa vessels sailing these routes. As the 1980s economic boom on Saipan dawned, Saipan Shipping flourished as it adapted to the changing needs of the island economy. In 1979, the company sold the M/V Normar, ending 23 years of almost continuous vessel ownership. The company then signed a charter contract with Transpac Marine in 1980 for weekly tug and barge service to Guam, Saipan, and Tinian. After Transpac Marine's barge #S-2009 ran aground on Guam in 1986, Marianas Tug & Barge became the charter company for Saipan Shipping. In 1982, Saipan Shipping also negotiated a connecting carrier and agency agreement with American President Lines--a major U.S. shipping company, which supplemented the company's existing relationship with SeaLand Services. These relationships resulted in Saipan Shipping becoming the primary carrier for American President Lines cargo loading and offloading on Saipan. Combined with the company's existing relationship with Kyowa, Saipan Shipping was poised to profit from the 1980s economic boom brought on by the growth of tourism and the garment industry. In 1983, the first shipment of garments--all sweaters--was delivered from Saipan to New York. Saipan Shipping took the first containers to Guam. At the time, only three garment manufacturers were on Saipan. But, over time, the industry grew to eleven in 1987, then 23 in 1990. By 1997, there were more than 30 clothing factories on Saipan. By 1999, the value of clothing produced on Saipan had hit $1 billion, which translated into large profits for Saipan Shipping. However, the expansion of the garment industry on Saipan also led to more competition in the shipping industry as shipping companies emerged to rival Saipan Shipping's foothold. Over time, though, Saipan Shipping pulled ahead. In 1996, American President Lines was purchased by Matson Navigation Company, a change that Saipan Shipping leveraged to transform its business once more. From being simply a carrier's principal agent, the company transitioned into more of a local partnership, with Saipan Shipping employees regularly participating in Matson's training programs at the turn of the century and working hand- in-hand to meet the shipping demands of the garment industry. In that same year, Saipan Shipping pushed ahead with transforming its business, partnering with Kyowa and private investors to establish Marianas Steamship Agencies, Incorporated. This new company served as the husbanding agent for Saipan Shipping on Guam, providing goods and services needed by Saipan Shipping boats or crew. In the early 21st century, major policy shifts at the national and international levels altered the economic landscape in the Marianas and profoundly impacted the shipping industry. The end of international quota restrictions in the global garment trade made it cost prohibitive for the garment industry to remain on Saipan, which led to all 31 garment factories closing shop in the early 2000s. As a testament to its resiliency, however, Saipan Shipping endured while other shipping companies closed. Moreover, the company expanded. In 2001, Saipan Shipping ended 21 years of chartering boats with the purchase of Marianas Tug & Barge. The purchase included all of MarTug's equipment, most importantly the tugs Sea Husky and Don Juan Tenorio, and barges Francisca III and Francisca IV. All operations of MarTug were thus assumed, including the subsidiary Mid-Pacific Salvage, effectively adding marine salvaging to Saipan Shipping's portfolio of services. Then the terrorist attacks of September 11 rocked our nation, and the world. The global economy reeled in the aftermath of the attacks, and new challenges arose for the shipping industry as more stringent regulations were adopted to increase national security. Undeterred, Saipan Shipping demonstrated its adaptability once again by upgrading its information technology to increase efficiency and profitability. The company automated many aspects of its business, which helped streamline customs and quarantine processing, customer clearance processing, and physical clearance of cargo. Still standing as the lone local shipping company in the Marianas, Saipan Shipping moved confidently into the new millennium. In 2005, the company entered into an agency agreement with Marianas-based vessel operator, Seabridge, Incorporated, serving inter-island trade between Saipan and Guam. Tragedy struck again in 2015 with Super Typhoon Soudelor, which wreaked more havoc on Saipan's port than many previous storms. But Saipan Shipping stood strong, rebounding and reaching out into the community to deliver much needed relief supplies. Today, with construction booming and a budding gaming industry on Saipan, Saipan Shipping is adjusting as it always has to meet the demands of the local economy. And while competition has emerged, yet again, Saipan Shipping has adapted, yet again, to work with competitors to help the island economy prosper, yet again. Jose C. ``Joeten'' Tenorio probably could not have imagined the remarkable evolution and many iterations of Saipan Shipping Company, Incorporated after its inception in 1956. But he would not have been surprised by Saipan Shipping's ability to adapt and thrive. Nor would Joeten have been surprised by the vital role that Saipan Shipping has played and continues to play in the local and regional economy. After all, that is exactly why he helped start the company, to achieve the one purpose spelled out in its Articles of Incorporation in 1956 and to this day: ``The purpose of this Corporation is to engage in trade and commerce in and between [Saipan]'', the Marianas, the Pacific, and, indeed, the world.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Public Law 102-477 established what is commonly known as the 477 program to foster employment and economic development in Indian country. This highly successful program authorizes tribal governments to consolidate up to 13 different Federal grant programs into a single plan with a single budget and a single reporting system. Current participants in the program have significantly improved effectiveness of the delivery of services included in the 477 plan, while lowering administrative costs. These cost savings have been translated into more and better direct services for their communities. H.R. 329 will build on this success by permanently authorizing the program, by increasing the scope and availability of participating Federal grant programs, and by setting a streamlined process for tribes to follow. I want to congratulate Chairman Young for his tireless work on this legislation and for putting together a piece of legislation that we should always consider and for bringing together all of the stakeholders to address the concerns and find a workable solution. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act--or CoBRA--the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identifies hazardous areas on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and submits maps to Congress recommending that we make Federal subsidies off limits to people who choose to develop those lands. This is a commonsense, scientific, fiscally conservative way to protect private property and public infrastructure, while also ensuring that taxpayers do not have to foot the bill for risky coastal development. In this time of rising sea levels and increased storm surge brought on by climate change, CoBRA is becoming more and more important every day. H.R. 6400 would adjust the boundaries of several Coastal Barrier Resources System units in New Jersey, including one that contains an important flood control structure. These changes have been carefully mapped by the Fish and Wildlife Service, and reflect improvements in technology that have allowed us to show with great accuracy which parcels of land do and do not constitute ``coastal barrier resources'' under the law. As a result, numerous properties that were originally included by mistake will be removed, and other properties that have been identified as at-risk will be included. These changes to the C.B.R.S. are protective of private property rights, the environment, and the taxpayers, and I support passage of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the author of the bill.

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

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Vargas).

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this bill will permit the National Park Service to study and evaluate the Chicano Park for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places and possibly to become an affiliated site of the agency. Chicano Park has come to represent not only the civil rights struggles and victories for the residents of the Barrio Logan community, but has become a center for discussions around civil rights movements for all Mexican Americans today. Today, this space has become a vibrant expression of the history and concerns of the community and, because of their efforts, I know it will continue to remain a relevant site for generations to come. I am glad to see that this community will receive the national recognition it deserves. I thank my colleague, Congressman Vargas, for introducing this bill, and I am very pleased to see that we are able to move this through the House expeditiously. I would also like to, one day, visit Alaska, but at this point in time I urge adoption of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1219 is a straightforward, reasonable piece of legislation worthy of passage. The bill would allow a title transfer of two Federal buildings to the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District in south central Oklahoma. These buildings are part of the Arbuckle Project, which is a water project, authorized by Congress in 1962, to provide flood control, recreational opportunities, and municipal water supply. Nearly all of the facilities within the Arbuckle Project were already transferred to the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District in 2012 after the district finished repaying what it owed the Federal Government for construction. However, due to some overly narrow language in the legislation authorizing the Arbuckle Project, two buildings within the project have yet to be transferred. Transferring the two remaining buildings will save taxpayer money that would otherwise be needed to operate and maintain the buildings and will also relieve the Federal Government of any potential future liability associated with the buildings. This is straightforward legislation that should be quickly passed. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, again, like I said, this is straightforward legislation that should be quickly passed. We urge its adoption. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SABLAN

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Bishop for allowing this bill to come to the floor. I appreciate it very much. The economy of the Northern Mariana Islands grew at a rate of 3.5 percent last year, the fourth straight year of growth for my district. The Bureau of Economic Analysis announced the new data a week ago. This strong economic expansion is good news for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. We desperately want this growth to continue because our economy is still only three-quarters of what it was in 2000. But there is a problem with keeping that growth going--our limited population. For that reason, I have introduced, with Congressman Radewagen, bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6401, the Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters of support for H.R. 6401 from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands' Governor, Ralph DLG. Torres; the CNMI Strategic Economic Development Council; the Office of the Senate President, Nineteenth Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature; the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation; the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands; and from the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan, MP, December 4, 2016. Hon. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, House of Representatives. Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Sablan: I write to support H.R. 6401, critical legislation that will provide short-term relief from the labor shortage facing the Commonwealth that threatens our growing economy and public health. The latest report from Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates the Commonwealth economy grew for the fourth consecutive year. A growing economy needs a qualified workforce. And while there are now more U.S. workers than foreign workers in the Northern Marianas for the first time in decades, there are still not enough to meet the labor demand. The temporary increase in the number of Commonwealth- Only Transitional (CW) workers provided in your bill will particularly help small businesses retain the workers needed to maintain operations. Most importantly, the Commonwealth's only hospital, stand to lose critical staff including 34 staff nurses, two infection control nurses, a clinical laboratory scientist and specialists in mammography, ultrasonography without the relief provided in H.R. 6401. Building a qualified U.S. workforce in the Northern Marianas is a priority for my administration. The CW worker fee increase in the legislation will provide additional funding for efforts to recruit, educate, and train these workers and establish a permanent pool of workers to fill local jobs. H.R. 6401 is critical to continued economic growth in the Northern Marianas. The bill has my full support. Sincerely, Ralph DLG Torres, Governor.

Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank again Chairman Rob Bishop of the Natural Resources Committee for his understanding and support. I also thank Chairman Don Young, who held a hearing on this issue in September and agreed that action was needed. I appreciate the support of Ranking Members Raul Grijalva and Raul Ruiz. And, of course, Mr. Speaker, I am indebted to the minority whip, Mr. Hoyer, and to our majority leader, Mr. McCarthy, who agreed to bring H.R. 6401 to the floor today. I ask my colleagues for the support of H.R. 6401. Mr. Speaker, The economy of the Northern Mariana Islands grew at a rate of 3 point 5 percent last year and the fourth straight year of growth for my district. The Bureau of Economic Analysis announced the new data a week ago. This strong economic expansion is good news for the people of the Mariana Islands. We desperately want this growth to continue. Because our economy is still only three-quarters of what it was in 2000. But there is a problem with keeping that growth going: our limited population. For that reason, I have introduced with Congresswoman Radewagen bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6401, the Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act. The Marianas has a very small population--only about 54,000 people. And economic expansion demands not only entrepreneurial capital and investment, which we are suddenly receiving. Economic expansion demands workers, as well. We have struggled to bring more workers into our labor force. Isolated as we are--6,000 miles from the U.S. mainland--it is difficult to attract U.S. workers. Our employers to gone everywhere to recruit workers--Guam, the Freely Associated States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland. We have worked hard to raise the skills of our own local population. A special fee paid by employers of foreign workers has pumped $6 million into training. And we are succeeding. Since 2008, the number of U.S. workers has grown. There are 15 percent more U.S. workers in our labor force today than there were ten years ago. U.S. workers are now the majority of our labor force--a huge turnaround for us. But we still find ourselves short of the workers we need--especially at this moment, when there are hundreds of millions of dollars of new tourism development being invested in our islands. H.R. 6401 does several things: First, it will put more money into that training fund that is proving so successful at helping put our people to work. The bill also allows us to bring in a limited, additional number of foreign workers under the Commonwealth-only Transitional Worker program that was set up under federal law to help us build our U.S. labor force. The Transitional Worker program has reduced the number of foreign workers in the Marianas year after year. But this year the sudden increase in investment in new hotels and other tourism businesses has left us short. H.R. 6401 would give us an extra 2,000 workers--the same number as we were allowed in 2013--and only for the remainder of this fiscal year. This is a short-term fix to address an unexpected--and very welcome-- change in the economic fortunes of the Northern Mariana Islands. The bill will also help us avoid this worker shortage in the years to come. Part of the problem this year has been that employers are not using other federal programs that can provide temporary labor for construction projects of the size and scale that are being built in the Marianas. So, H.R. 6401 bars employers from using the Transitional program we have in the Marianas for new construction. This shift will not slow the economic expansion we have right now. But it will allow us to continue reducing the number of foreign workers permitted under the Transitional program. It will continue the conversion to a predominantly U.S. labor force, which is our long-term goal. In closing, I want to thank Chairman Rob Bishop of the Natural Resources Committee for his understanding and support. Thanks, also, to Chairman Don Young, who held a hearing on these issues in September and agreed that action was needed. I appreciate the support of Ranking Members Raul Grijalva and Raul Ruiz. And, of course, I am indebted to the Minority Whip Mr. Hoyer and to our Majority Leader Mr. McCarthy, who agreed to bring H.R. 6401 to the floor today. And I ask my colleagues for their support for H.R. 6401. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.