Michael San Nicolas

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 759, introduced by Representative Babin from Texas, amends the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act of 1987 to clarify that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act applies to both the Pueblo and the Tribe. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas was federally terminated in 1954, followed by the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, also known as the Tigua Tribe, in 1968. Congress rightfully restored both the Pueblo and the Tribe in 1987 at one time by enacting the aforementioned Restoration Act. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was enacted just 1 year later, in 1988. The framework that it created should have applied to both the Pueblo and the Tribe, just as it did to every other Tribe. However, since the Restoration Act was passed at a time when Indian gaming was just emerging and Federal regulations had not yet been implemented, it contains a section regarding gaming. We know from the Congressional Record that the intent of this section of the Restoration Act was to clarify Indian gaming policy at the time, not to completely prohibit gaming on these lands in perpetuity, but that is what is occurring. The language in the Restoration Act has been used by the State of Texas to completely stymie the Pueblo's and the Tribe's ability to engage in Class II gaming, much to the detriment of the economic health and well-being of both the Pueblo and the Tribe. Additionally, the only other federally recognized Tribe in Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe, is allowed to operate a Class II gaming facility, as they were restored by Congress in 1983 without any type of gaming restrictions. H.R. 759 remedies this inequality by clarifying that the Pueblo and the Tribe, like the Kickapoo, have the same rights and responsibilities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act as virtually every other federally recognized Tribe in the United States. The legislation confers no new or special rights to the Pueblo or the Tribe, nor does it in any way limit the existing rights of the State of Texas. This is simply a matter of parity and fairness. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I, too, do not wish for my support of this measure to indicate or to be misconstrued as support for gaming. My support of this measure has everything to do with what my colleague on the other side of the aisle has stated. This is about parity, and this is about the unique sovereignty that recognized Tribes have with the Federal Government through our own Constitution. If we are going to be recognizing this unique sovereignty, we should do so equally among all the other Tribes. This equality is so necessary if we are going to maintain the credibility of the process. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for my colleagues and all the work that they put into this, and I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Margaret A. Jones. Margaret was a longtime resident of Guam, a wife, mother, a public-spirited community leader, and a woman of business on Guam. In 1965, she was a founding member of the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association and gave her time and effort to numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. Her family business, Triple J Enterprises was founded in 1984 and has grown across the Pacific region. Margaret was born on November 5, 1937 and passed away in North Carolina on June 27, 2019, at the age of 81. Margaret was the daughter of Early and Verna Page. Margaret was born in Willow Spring, North Carolina. Margaret married Robert H. Jones in 1957. They raised three children and were blessed with eleven grandchildren. In 1965, Margaret was a founding member of the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association (GMHVA), known as the Pink Ladies for the pink vests worn by their volunteers. GMHVA has raised millions of dollars for improvements to the Guam Memorial Hospital. Margaret was active in the American Cancer Society and led Triple J Enterprises in its support for cancer research by participating annually in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and sponsoring an annual 5k run/walk event. Margaret had been active with other non-profit organizations, including the Guam Women's Club, Harvest Baptist Church, the Miss Guam Universe Pageant, the Miss Guam World Pageant, and the Board of St. John's School. Margaret started her career in Guam at the Marianas Travel Agency. In 1975, she joined Pan American Airlines, working as a Special Sales Representative until 1991. In 1984, Margaret cofounded Triple J Enterprises along with her husband, Robert H. Jones, and Georgia Stafford. Today, the Triple J group employs over nine hundred employees across the Micronesia region, many of whom have been with the business for over twenty years. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Margaret A. Jones and I join the people of Guam in celebrating her life. She was pillar of the island community, leading both in charitable and non-profit service and in business on Guam. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones, and friends. I extend my condolences to her husband, Robert H. Jones, her children, Julie Jones Murrell, Jeff Jones, and Jay Jones, and their spouses, and her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, and her memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Alfonso Matanane Pangelinan. Alfonso was a proud son of Guam and faithful public servant who served honorably in the United States Army. Alfonso was born on October 22, 1927 and passed away on April 17, 2019 at the age of 91. His legacy is highlighted through the various positions he held in public office. Alfonso served as Assistant Commissioner of the village of Sinajana from 1965 to 1967 and then as Commissioner of the Village from 1968 to 1973. Alfonso was a member of the Sinajana Civic Improvement Club in the 1960s and later served as Director of the Passport Office from 1983 to 1986. After his retirement from public office, Alfonso remained active in the community. He was an early advocate for the return of Chamorro lands and federal excess lands to their original landowners. He remained a devoted son, father, and grandfather, passing down knowledge and traditions to the generations after him. He was the son of Vicente Santos and Ana Matanane Pangelinan of Machanao and Ritidian. Alfonso was fondly known to play the bass guitar with other notable Guam musicians, playing at weddings, fiestas, and family gatherings across the island . He had since shared his talent and love of music by teaching several of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the art of playing the instrument. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Alfonso Matanane Pangelinan. I join the people of Guam in celebrating his life and the legacy he leaves behind. He was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life in his village of Sinajana and the broader island community during and after his time in office. My prayers are with his family, loved ones, and friends as they remember their lives with Alfonso and the memories they individually shared. I extend my condolences to his children, Evangeline P. Flores, Janet P. Leon Guerrero, Michael C. Pangelinan, Donald C. Pangelinan, and Rosalyn P. Ochoco, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a genuine public servant and friend, Chief Robert ``Bob'' D. Camacho on his retirement from the Antonio B. Won Pat Guam International Airport Authority (GIAA) police department after 34 years of service to Guam and to the nation. Bob has a long history in public service. After serving 11 years in the United States Army, where he received numerous awards and decorations, Bob began his civilian career as a parole officer in the Guam Department of Corrections, eventually advancing to the post of Director of the Department. As Director, Bob's innovations included making the Department of Correction a tobacco-free environment and effectively restructuring prison food services. These changes significantly reduced health-care costs for employees as well as inmates and saved millions of dollars in food costs and wastage for the government of Guam. Bob served in other senior executive positions within the law enforcement field including in the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the Guam Police Department. It is no surprise that Bob also excelled in these other positions, constantly exemplifying the definition of a public servant. Appointed to the Chief of the Guam International Airport Authority police department in 2009, Bob effectively responded to the increased security risks imposed by the tragedy on September 11, 2001. Bob continued to ensure that the GIAA and his department kept pace with new and constantly changing U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration mandates as well as keeping pace with the constantly growing passenger and freight workload. He was instrumental in promoting and securing funding for ``Project Hulo,'' a much needed, and significant increase, in services, operations, and security for the airport, which has become a major Pacific hub for both domestic and international travel and freight. Bob continued to trailblaze in the Guam law enforcement community when he served as Chairman of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, setting appropriate standards for hiring, training, ethical conduct, and retention of peace officers throughout the territory of Guam. Bob has dedicated his life serving our community, exemplified the best in leadership qualities, and has continued inspire those around him. Madam Speaker, I rise on behalf of the People of Guam, offering my greatest appreciation for Bob's commitment to public service. I congratulate him on his retirement and offer him best wishes on his well-earned retirement.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Guam's Autism Community Together (ACT) as they celebrate their 12th annual Autism Awareness Fair, appropriately themed ``Get Your Blue on Guam, Support Autism.'' During Autism Awareness Month, ACT and organizations across the country work together to provide every individual with autism spectrum disorder with the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. This year, ACT and their partners want to do more than just promote autism awareness. They want to motivate friends and collaborators to become active partners in the movement towards acceptance and appreciation. As the father of an autistic child, I am aware of the impact that autism has on parents, family, and friends. It is imperative that the whole community becomes involved. Although much has been accomplished, much more remains to be done to raise worldwide awareness of these issues. ACT is an organization based in Guam as a support group for families with autistic children. It is one of Guam's principal organizations leading the efforts to increase autism awareness across our community. ACT is dedicated to helping individuals and parents find resources, support, and training while making diligent efforts to increase the awareness of autism spectrum disorders. ACT advocates for effective services to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism and their families. Madam Speaker, I further commend Autism Community Together as it continues to host the 12th Annual Autism Awareness Fair World Autism Day. The Autism Awareness Fair is the largest event hosted by ACT throughout the year and brings together government agencies, non-profit organizations, service providers, and support vendors with the intent to provide information and resources on the various disability-related programs and services available on Guam. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Guam, I thank Guam's Autism Community Together and all government agencies and community partners for their assistance in spreading autism awareness and acceptance. I look forward to future contributions by Autism Community Together to provide more opportunities for those in community living with autism.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Command Sergeant Major Benjamin Camacho Palacios. Mr. Palacios was a Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major and will be fondly remembered for his many outstanding contributions and accomplishments throughout his military and civilian career. A dedicated public servant, Mr. Palacios became one of the most senior noncommissioned officers serving with various commands both in the U.S. and overseas. Primarily serving in leadership positions within the Armor Career Management Field, he eventually assumed duty as the United States Army Forces Command Sergeant Major on July 27, 1998. He was the Army's senior ranking enlisted Soldier in Korea when he was honored with the South Korean Order of National Security Merit Gwanbok Medal. Command Sergeant Major Palacios was the first enlisted soldier to receive the medal since the end of the Korean War. He was also the only person who served over five terms on the Department of Veteran Affairs Congressional Committee Mandated Advisory Committee for Minority Veterans (ACMV). On Guam and the Marianas, the personal accomplishments and success of native sons and daughters are celebrated and adopted as triumphs for everyone in the community. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Command Sergeant Major Palacios and I join the people of Guam in celebrating his life and legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and friends. Command Sergeant Major Palacios will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Jon Anderson. Jon was a proud, adopted son of Guam, a media influencer, and a mentor to many in the community. His recognizable voice has been over Guam's airwaves since 1977. The bulk of his career on the island was spent as a talk show host, informing the Guam public of the latest news in our community and imparting wisdom at the same time. Jon's distinct style of journalism is easily remembered for his fairness and diligence. His calming demeanor as an interviewer and orator had effortlessly captured his audiences throughout the island and the region. Many listeners to his shows would tune in to his morning radio show to discuss various topics of interest and hear the latest issues impacting our home. He spent his life encouraging and improving the lives of those in our community and serving as a senior member and mentor in his profession. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jon Anderson, and I join the people of Guam in remembering and celebrating his life and the legacy he left behind. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Mahie, and their children, Debbie, Darren, Keoki, Maka, and Tony. Jon will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam and all those he had profoundly impacted.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Vicente ``Ben'' Diaz Gumataotao. ``Mayor Ben,'' as he was widely known as, was steadfast in his dedication to serving the people of Guam and his country. In his 91 years of life, Mayor Ben achieved significant milestones that not only inspired generations but opened doors for those who came after him. Mayor Ben was born on November 30, 1927 to the late Josefina Diaz and the late Leon Diaz Gumataotao. The third child of twelve children, Mayor Ben and his family resided in the pre-World War II village of Sumay. Mayor Ben and his family lived through the traumatic events during the Japanese Occupation of Guam during World War II. In one instance, his family was forced to march to the Manenggon Hills concentration camp where he witnessed the atrocities executed by the Japanese soldiers. Grateful for the United States military's return to the island and overthrow of the Japanese Imperial government's control over Guam, Mayor Ben served over twenty-eight years in the United States Navy where he completed Mess Management School and instructed fellow stewards. He retired at the highest enlisted rank in the United States Navy, the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). After his service to his country, Mayor Ben began his service to the people of Guam working for various senators in the Guam Legislature and later for former Congressman Vicente C. Blaz during the 101st and 102nd United States Congress. He answered the call of his fellow residents and successfully was elected Mayor of the village of Piti. Significant improvements throughout the village continue to be seen and felt due to Mayor Ben's unwavering leadership during his tenure as Mayor. In his lifetime, his advocacy and dedication to public service was appreciated through the various civic and religious organizations he was actively engaged in throughout the island of Guam. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mayor Vicente ``Ben'' Diaz Gumataotao, and I join the people of Guam in celebrating his life and the legacy he left. A dedicated public servant, he worked to improve the quality of life in his village of Piti and in the wider community in Guam during his lifetime. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and friends. Mayor Ben will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam.