Member of Congress

Michael San Nicolas

Role
Former Representative
State
GU
Party
Democrat

Speeches

HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT OF 20192020-01-13

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. H.R. 4302 is important legislation that will better assist local agencies in coordinating and providing services to people experiencing homelessness. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation. I thank our colleagues on the other side of the aisle for their support as well. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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8-K TRADING GAP ACT OF 20192020-01-13

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4335) to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue rules that prohibit officers and directors of certain companies from trading securities in anticipation of a current report, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Maloney, the chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform and a member of the Financial Services Committee, for authoring H.R. 4335, the 8-K Trading Gap Act, a commonsense bill that would close a loophole in our securities laws that has been exploited by corporate insiders. Currently, public companies must disclose significant corporate events, such as bankruptcy or major cybersecurity hacks, to investors and the public on Form 8-K. However, the law gives them 4 business days after the event occurs to make this disclosure. As a result, corporate executives have the benefit of knowing material, nonpublic information for 4 days before investors and the rest of the public. This is a problem because there is no rule prohibiting these executives from buying or selling the company's securities during this 4-day gap, and there is evidence that certain executives have done so and profited handsomely. According to a 2015 study, over a 6-year period, insiders who traded during this 4-day gap successfully earned $105 million in above-market returns on these trades. H.R. 4335, the 8-K Trading Gap Act, fixes this loophole by requiring public companies to put in place policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prohibit officers and directors from trading company stock after the company has determined that a significant corporate event has occurred and before the company has filed a Form 8- K disclosing such event. I support this commonsense fix and encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting the bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney), chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee and the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, investor confidence and market integrity are built on the premise that our markets are fair and transparent. H.R. 4335 will help ensure that this is the case by preventing corporate insiders from unfairly taking advantage of significant corporate events before they are disclosed to the public. For that reason, the bill is supported by investor groups, like the Council of Institutional Investors, as well as our State securities regulators, which are represented by the North American Securities Administrators Association. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in their support of H.R. 4335. I thank our colleagues on the other side of the aisle for their support. With publicly traded companies, Madam Speaker, nobody should have an advantage over the public. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

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CELEBRATING THE FILIPINO LADIES ASSOCIATION OF GUAM (FLAG) FOR THEIR 59TH INDUCTION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS2019-12-23

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam (FLAG) in celebrating the 59th Induction of Executive Officers and Board of Directors. I extend my sincerest congratulations to FLAG for an outstanding event in celebration and recognition of the triumphs of each Member, past and present Elected Officers and Board of Directors. The Filipino Ladies Association of Guam was established in the year of 1962 and has since been clear in its mission to help our community thrive by working together effortlessly, encouraging unity amongst Filipino women; enriching the Filipino culture and traditions, and strengthening their relationships with the people of Guam. The association received a BANAAG Award from the Commission of Filipino Overseas organization for their efforts in assisting and providing benefactions to overseas Filipino communities. They persevered in giving back to our island through their accomplishments in education, charities, and scholarships. Their desire to support local organizations such as the Guam Memorial Hospital and Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park are examples of achievements to celebrate. I express my deepest gratitude to the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam's outgoing President, Lorie Castelo, for her leadership throughout the year and the newly elected President, Ma. Cristina Bansil, as she now upholds the extraordinary reputation of FLAG, as well as each member, past, and present for your untiring commitment and the promise it holds to our community. Again, congratulations to the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam for a prosperous year, and I look forward to their continued success.

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TRIBUTE TO JOEY SANTOS2019-11-22

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of a good man from Guam--Joey Santos, whose passing came too soon on November 17, 2019, at the age of 49. Joey was a shining star going as far back as the 1980s. He was a mentor to many and a friend to many more. He attended the John F. Kennedy High School and played for the JFK Islanders basketball team. He proved what a valuable force he was even in his teens while playing high school basketball. Not long after graduation from JFK in 1988, he represented our island through his love of the game and decided to make an impact playing for the Guam National Basketball team. His dedication to the game showed through his determination and commitment with his countless hours on the court. In 1991, he took on a role with the University of Guam and worked his way up the ranks to the position of Recreational Supervisor up until his resignation in 2010. After 19 years of service to the University, he decided to embark on a new path. He accepted a position with the Father Duenas Memorial School as a physical education teacher, and eventually promoted to Athletic Director. Joey also served for 20 years in the Air National Guard and retired in October 2017 as a staff sergeant. Joey was a visionary for athletes. He wanted to help others maximize their potential and reach their goals. For a decade, he mentored high school athletes and truly led by example by demonstrating what it means to work hard--and not only on the field or on the court but in the classroom as well. He wanted our kids to succeed. He wanted to show them that anything was possible. He was much more than an Athletic Director, he was a hero to the students and he went out of his way to help others. Anyone who knew him was lucky to have a glimpse of who he was. Joey is a man of strength and courage. He fought cancer so hard for his wife, family, students, and those who were counting on him. Joey had a heart of gold--and he not only portrayed that on the basketball court or through his duties on the job, but in his daily life. Joey's wife, Selena Santos, said it best: ``My Chamoru Rock left with his eternal wings to our Almighty Father.'' Joey is survived by his wife, Selena, his children David, Tayler, and Shylah, and his five grandchildren: Tobias, Taeya, and Rocky. He is also survived by his mother Maria, and his siblings Jeanie, Joyce, and Jeffrey, and beloved friends. I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to Joey's family, as well as extend my heartfelt thanks for his contributions to the community. Joey Santos will be missed by all who knew him.

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COMMEMORATION OF THE 44TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION OF GUAM2019-11-22

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Korean Women's Association of Guam (KWAG) on their 44th Anniversary. I extend my sincerest congratulations to KWAG for another outstanding event celebrating efforts to strengthen various community foundations in its spirit of charity. The Korean Women's Association of Guam was established on June 25, 1975 and has since made it their mission to encourage benevolence and unity, enriching togetherness and friendship among Korean women, and inspiring the Korean culture to remain lively throughout the island of Guam. The association received recognition both locally and internationally for their efforts in assisting the less fortunate, abused, ill, and elderly in our community. The Korean Women's Association of Guam has persevered in giving back to our island through their fundraising endeavors; assisting in relief efforts and collaborating with other organizations for a significant cause. Their desire to help local organizations serve our community over the years is truly something to celebrate and support. I thank the Korean Women's Association of Guam President Sunok E. Chi, for her leadership, and its members for continuously exerting their mission and exemplifying the vision, values, and traditions of the organization. Again, congratulations to another flourishing year and I look forward to the Korean Women's Association of Guam's continued contributions to the community and future success

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM ``BILL'' ROBERT ROTH2019-11-22

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. William ``Bill'' Robert Roth who was a longtime resident of Guam and passed away on October 16, 2019, at the age of 68. Mr. Roth was a son, a husband, a father, and a devoted administrator to Guam's education. He was the son of Philip and Joan M. Roth. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois along with his four sisters and two brothers. He then moved to Memphis, Tennessee and is where he met his beloved wife Ann Marie O'Mallan. Married for 45 years, together they raised four children and were blessed with four grandchildren. In 1979, Mr. Roth started his educational career at Notre Dame High school where he served for 12 years as a teacher, business manager; and subsequently, an Assistant Principal. In 1991 through 2009, Mr. Roth became the principal of Father Duenas Memorial School. As an active supporter of the institution's academic and athletic programs, he was instrumental in reshaping the campus by reinforcing financial stability and investing as much as possible when the opportunity arose. Mr. Roth was recognized as a humble man who emanated solidarity and was influential to the island's educational community. He was also known by many as one who was driven to inspire students in an all-boys school. As a father of two sons, connecting with his students and fostering growth was effortless. In 2012, Mr. Roth embraced retirement and spent the rest of his days enjoying time with his wife and adoring their grandchildren. I extend my sincerest condolences to his wife, Ann Marie O'Mallan Roth, his children, Bill Roth, Christina Roth Mantanona, Mariana Duenas, Kenny Roth, and their spouses and his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of many.

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RECOGNIZING THE EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE TO THE COMMUNITY OF GUAM IN CELEBRATION OF FILIPINO AMERICAN MONTH2019-10-30

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to rise today in celebration of Filipino American History Month. During this month of October, we take the time to recognize and commend the innumerable contributions of our Filipino-Americans. As Filipino American History Month comes to an end, it is important that we reflect on the historical events that that have enriched our island and our country into prosperity. The island of Guam and the Philippine nation share a mirrored colonial history, having both been under Spanish rule for hundreds of years and later governed by the United States. At the end of World War II seventy-five years ago, many Filipinos left their families and their homes to help rebuild Guam from the destruction left by the Imperial Japanese's three-year occupation of the island. Filipinos continue to bring their expertise in construction and labor to the island in the wake of man-made and natural disasters, for this we are grateful. Today, Filipinos on Guam remain a true pillar of our community. They continue to play vital roles by providing professional and economic support in the fields of healthcare, education, and infrastructure. With Filipinos proudly being the second largest ethnic demographic on Guam, one can easily discover unique Filipino hubs filled with Filipino cuisine, fashion, and pop culture throughout Guam. Furthermore, their significant contributions are evidenced through the many community organizations formed for the benefit of charity, education assistance, and goodwill. The peoples of the Philippines and Guam's shared history, culture, and traditions will forever bind us. Our shared pursuit of the CHamoru cultural foundation of harmony and striving to do good for all, (inafa'maolek) has been easily achieved and manifested in the melting pot of Guam due to the strong relationship fostered by the Filipino Community in Guam and the people of Guam. Madam Speaker, I am honored to reflect upon the rich history & contributions of Filipino-Americans. Throughout America's history, present, and future, the Filipino community has played and will continue to play a major role in enriching the quality of life for the people of the United States, and for their outstanding contributions they are worthy of our respect and gratitude. On behalf of the People of Guam, I extend our great thanks (un dangkulu na Si Yu'us ma'ase) to all Filipinos in Guam and across our nation.

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. JAMES STADLER2019-10-18

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a good man, Dr. James Stadler. Dr. Stadler is the beloved son of Edward Stadler, Sr. and Wanda Stadler. He was a longtime resident of Guam, a faithful servant, a husband, father, grandfather, and a beloved pediatrician in our community on Guam. Dr. James Stadler was born and raised in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, and graduated from St. Mary High School in 1967. From there, he went on to pursue his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University. He then graduated with honors from the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, in 1974 and completed his internship and residency in Pediatrics touching the hearts of many children at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles in 1977. In that same year, our island was blessed with a man who dedicated his life to the service of others, particularly our children, as he was called to Guam on an 18-month contract with FHP. He brought his loving wife and 11-month old son at the time, Jeffrey. His courage and curiosity gave our island a graceful and beloved gift--and that was Dr. James Stadler, who eventually decided to make Guam home. Dr. Stadler worked with FHP Clinic for 42 years, but also wore many other hats in our community. He was the Chairman of Pediatrics at the Guam Memorial Hospital, and in this role, he was instrumental to the opening of the first Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. He also served as the GMH Medical Director from 2005 to 2010, held multiple volunteer teaching jobs such as ACLS and BLS instructor for GMH, directed and in-charge of Medical Symposiums held in Guam, and was the President of the Guam Medical Society when he was barely 30 years old. This man was a pioneer in Guam's medical community. But all these hats he wore do not even begin to define the real character behind Dr. James Stadler--an honorable man of his word, an angel for children, and someone to truly count on. He is survived by his wife Virgie, his children Jeffrey, Joseph, James, Jennifer, and Jonathan, and his granddaughter, Olivia. His mark will forever be imprinted on the hearts of all of us, and I join the people of Guam in honoring the memory of Dr. James Stadler and commemorating his many contributions to our island. I extend my sincere condolences to the entire Stadler family. His legacy will inspire us now and forever.

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ADVANCING INNOVATION TO ASSIST LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT2019-09-19

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2613) to require the Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to carry out a study on the use of emerging technologies within the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and for other purposes.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2613, the Advancing Innovation to Assist Law Enforcement Act, and I urge all Members to support it. The financial services industry spends quite a bit of time considering how it can use new technologies to improve its data collection and analysis to detect and report suspected financial crime. This bill turns the lens onto the Financial Crime Enforcement Network, FinCen, to look at its use of artificial intelligence, digital identity technologies, blockchain, and other innovative technologies. The study required by H.R. 2613 will examine how this essential regulatory and data-driven agency could itself better utilize these technologies to more actively analyze and disseminate the information FinCen collects and stores to provide investigative leads to its law enforcement partners. The result of this study will help the agency and us in Congress to identify gaps that need to be filled with the same advanced tools that are being adapted by the industry. I applaud the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gonzalez) for his work on this bill and recommend its passage. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, we have no additional speakers on this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, we are prepared to close. I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I once again thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gonzalez) for bringing this bill before the House. Improving the use of technologies can only improve our response to the wide range of crimes that FinCen combats. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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HIDDEN FIGURES CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT2019-09-19

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1396) to award Congressional Gold Medals to Katherine Johnson and Dr. Christine Darden, to posthumously award Congressional Gold Medals to Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, and to award a Congressional Gold Medal to honor all of the women who contributed to the success of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration during the Space Race, as amended.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1396, the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019. I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Johnson) for her work on this bill, which honors the women mathematicians and engineers who helped win the Space Race. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon space landing, a shining beacon of bold American innovation and ingenuity, made possible by tireless and often unacknowledged and under-appreciated contributions of the women working as computers, mathematicians, and engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These women faced challenges that exemplified the period of segregation in which they lived and the male-dominated culture at NASA and its precursors, despite the contributions they made to space exploration. They faced lower pay, were not allowed to submit their work under their own names and did not receive the promotions that their male colleagues did. They also faced segregated dining facilities, water fountains, and bathrooms. It was only right that the experiences of these women were brought to light by a popular book by Dr. Christine Darden published in 2016, which also became a successful movie. This book described her and the struggles of Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Dorothy Vaughan in this difficult environment. The women computers, mathematicians, and engineers of NACA and NASA overcame these challenges. They made critical contributions not only to the Space Race, as depicted in the film based on Dr. Darden's book, but also to World War II aircraft development and research into faster- than-sound flight. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award bestowed by the Congress. It is awarded to persons who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement. The Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act awards five Congressional Gold Medals; one each to Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, and one medal to honor the contributions of the hundreds of women computers, mathematicians, and engineers whose names have largely been lost to history. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Johnson) for introducing this bill this Congress, and I urge members to vote ``yes''. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Johnson), chairwoman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that this bill has wide bipartisan support, and I thank the entire House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for its efforts in ensuring that this incredible story is not lost in the annals of history. Given the place the Moon landing holds in our Nation's collective consciousness, a national expression of gratitude for these women and their contributions is long overdue. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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GREG LEMOND CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT2019-09-19

Mr. SAN NICOLAS

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3589) to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Greg LeMond, in recognition of his service to the Nation as an athlete, activist, role model, and community leader, as amended.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

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