Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 541, recognizing and honoring the restoration and renovation of the Bishop Museum's Historic Hawaiian Hall, the Nation's premier showcase for Hawaiian culture and history, on the occasion of the Museum's 120th anniversary.

I thank the gentleman from the State of Hawaii, my good friend, Mr. Abercrombie, for his leadership on this important issue. I also want to thank Chairman Rahall of the Natural Resources Committee for bringing this resolution for House floor consideration.

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 541 conveys our sincerest appreciation to the Bishop Museum for its service and devotion. Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in memory of his beloved wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the great granddaughter of Kamehameha I, the Bishop Museum is essential to study, preserve and tell the stories of the cultures and natural history of Hawaii and the Pacific Ocean.

Collectively, the Museum houses the largest Hawaii and Pacific area collection in the world, including 1,200,000 cultural objects representing Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islands, and Hawaii immigrant life, more than 125,000 historical publications including many in the Hawaiian language, 1,000,000 historical photographs, films, works of art, audio recordings, and manuscripts and over 22,000,000 plant and animal specimens. This cultural collection creates a significantly important public resource for academic studies and for public information.

Not only that, the Bishop Museum is also very significant because of the fact that it houses the Hawaiian Hall, the Nation's only showcase of its size, proportions, design, and historical context that is devoted to the magnificent legacy of Hawaii's kings and queens, and the legacies of its Native Hawaiian people of all walks of life and ages. Over the years lead paint and termite damage rendered the building unable to meet modern standards and requirements for any museum until in 2005, the restoration and renovation of the Hawaiian Hall commenced. Multiple parties came together to collaborate in this effort. The museum was redefined conceptually as well as given physical reconstruction. The end product stands as testament to the efforts of all those involved.

The new exhibit incorporates Native Hawaiian artwork depicting traditional stories, legends, and practices, and contemporary Native Hawaiian voices interpreting the practices and traditions through multiple video presentations. In addition, the new exhibit is conceptually organized to represent three traditional realms or wao of the Hawaiian world including: Kai Akea--the expansive sea from which gods and people came; Wao Kanaka--the realm of people; and Wao Lani-- the realm of gods and the alii or chiefs, who descended from them. The new exhibit even includes a large 40-panel mural which celebrates the strength, glory, and achievements of Native Hawaiians.

Mr. Speaker, the Bishop Museum is very important to the Native Hawaiians, especially in their efforts to revive their culture and their Hawaiian traditions. I congratulate the Bishop Museum on its 120th anniversary and for its service and devotion, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of H. Res. 541.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 535) commending the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for calling upon all nations to live in peace and mutual understanding.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 535, commending the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for calling upon all nations to live in peace and mutual understanding. The Congress was organized in 2003 in recognition of the growing importance of world religions in responding to emerging threats and global epidemics. The Congress is held every 3 years and seeks to foster greater dialogue and cooperation among world religions to address the serious challenge we are facing like terrorism, poverty, war, extremism, and the global collapse of financial markets.

This year I had the privilege of attending the third Congress. Approximately 77 delegations from 35 countries participated, including leading clerics and scholars representing Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and other religious traditions. The delegation from the Vatican was led by Cardinal Jean-Louis Turan. Israel's President, Shimon Peres delivered the keynote address, and the Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints was also represented for the first time.

Because religious leaders can be a decisive factor in maintaining peace and security in the world, I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of House Resolution 535. This resolution supports freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental right and as a source of stability for all countries and commends the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for the work it is doing to advance tolerance and understanding. Again, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 550) recognizing the ``Day of the African Child'' on June 16, 2009, devoted to the theme of child survival and to emphasize the importance of reducing maternal, newborn, and child deaths in Africa.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. I certainly want to thank our senior ranking member of our House Foreign Affairs Committee, my good friend, the gentlelady from Florida, Ms. Ros- Lehtinen, for her support of this legislation, as well as the chairman of our Foreign Affairs Committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman).

Madam Speaker, the Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 each year since 1991 when it was first initiated by the Organization of African Unity, the precursor of the African Union. According to the United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF, sub-Saharan Africa remains the most difficult place in the world for a child to survive. Every year in sub-Saharan Africa, 1.2 million babies die in the first month of life. Roughly 1 in every 6 children fail to reach their fifth birthday. Despite significant overall progress in decreasing mortality rates for children under age 5, each year an

estimated 9.2 million newborns and children die from preventable and treatable causes.

The top five killers of children under five include neonatal causes such as respiratory infections, pneumonia, malaria, diarrhea and HIV/ AIDS. According to African Union Ministers of Health, the high level of maternal and child mortality and morbidity in Africa are attributed to weak health systems, a low level of skilled attendance at birth, poor health infrastructure, and inadequate financial resources.

Progress in reducing maternal newborn and child deaths can be achieved through increased coverage of proven solutions. Over the past three decades, U.S. international child survival and maternal health programs have helped save millions of lives in Africa and elsewhere. We join in solidarity with national leaders across Africa, UNICEF and many other humanitarian groups in marking the Day of the African Child with a continued commitment to boost child survival. I strongly support this resolution and urge my colleagues to support this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I want to commend the distinguished chairman of our Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, and I would like to commend his ranking member, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), not only for their leadership but for their tremendous commitment and efforts in trying to help establish programs that are helpful to the citizens of Africa.

There are approximately 500 million people who live in Africa. Recognizing the children of Africa and recognizing the tremendous health problems that they're confronted with, I think, is certainly something that our government has a moral responsibility to do, and we must do what we can to be of assistance.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I do want to again commend my good friend from New Jersey for his most eloquent statement and for his commitment in helping our people in Africa, and I would like to commend the senior ranking member of our House Foreign Affairs Committee for her support of this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 496) recognizing the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I first want to commend the senior ranking member of our House Foreign Affairs Committee and the chairman of our committee, Congressman Berman, for their support of this legislation, and I commend my good friend, the gentleman from Texas, as the chief sponsor of this legislation.

I rise in strong support of this resolution that recognizes the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Twenty-two years ago, in June 1987, President Ronald Reagan spoke at the Brandenburg Gate and issued the now legendary call: ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' Just over 2 years later, the wall was torn down, chipped away by euphoric citizens from both sides of a divided country following months of peaceful protests by brave men and women across East Germany.

Unforgettable to us are all of the pictures which were broadcast around the world of East and West Berliners dancing together atop a wall that, for over a quarter century, symbolized the tension and divisiveness of the cold war.

The fall of Berlin Wall contributed to a democratic domino effect across the Warsaw Pact region. Over the next 2 years, revolution swept through Eastern Europe as Communist governments were defeated in popular elections and while exuberant citizens reclaimed their freedom and democratic liberties.

On November 9, the people of Germany will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with a Festival of Freedom. The United States will happily join with the German people in remembering the moving events of that autumn and of the democratic era they heralded.

As President Obama recently noted during his speech in Moscow, ``The arc of history shows that governments which serve their own people survive and thrive; governments which serve only their own power do not.''

This momentous occasion should not be used as a time for triumphalism. Rather, it provides an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable progress that has been made in achieving a Europe that is whole, free and at peace.

Indeed, the changes that have occurred in only two decades are stunning. East and West Germany have reunified into a single, strong and prosperous state. Ten countries that previously laid behind the Iron Curtain have joined the European Union and NATO, and democratic progress is slowly being achieved across the rest of the former Soviet region.

I support this resolution, and I welcome the opportunity to recognize this significant date in European history to reaffirm the strong ties between the United States and Germany and to celebrate the enduring power of democratic freedom of institutions that relate to a free people.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, that's just the way it is.

I commend my good friend from Texas for his most eloquent statement and am in support of his resolution.

I have no additional speakers at this time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 675) condemning the July 17, 2009, terrorist bombings in Indonesia and expressing condolences to the people of Indonesia and the various other countries suffering casualties in the attacks.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution.

At this time, I would yield as much time as he could consume to the gentleman, my good friend, the chief sponsor of this resolution, to now address the Chamber, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price).

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Again, I want to commend my good friend, the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. Price, as co-Chair with our good friend and colleague, Mr. Dreier from California in this House Democracy Assistance Commission, and I do want to commend him for the tremendous job they are doing in promoting democratic principles throughout the world among countries that we give our support to.

This resolution condemns the two terrorist bombings in Indonesia on July 17, 2009, and expresses condolences to the people of Indonesia and other countries who were killed and injured by the attacks.

I want to thank my friend, Mr. Price, for sponsoring this important resolution that allows the House to show its strong support for Indonesia and its people after these horrific terrorist attacks in Jakarta.

Shortly before 8 a.m. in the morning on July 17, a bomb ripped through the lobby of the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta. Minutes later, a second bomb exploded in the nearby Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The twin bombings killed nine people, including the two suicide bombers and wounded over 50 others.

I would like to certainly express my condolences and sympathies to both the families who lost their loved ones in the attacks that morning and to those who were injured.

I would also like to condemn in the strongest terms possible the senseless act of violence committed against innocent people by vicious suicide terrorists. The majority of the victims were Indonesian citizens, although citizens from a number of other countries also suffered casualties.

The two bombings serves as a stark reminder to all of us that the threat of terrorism remains very real. It also reminds us that the world must continue to work together to confront violent extremists who will kill innocent people. The United States will continue to work with Indonesia and other countries to combat terrorism and to promote a common vision for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all of the world's citizens.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I also want to commend the recent presidential election in Indonesia that was held and that the President was elected by a margin of over 60 percent of the voters. Indonesia with 225 million people, the largest, most populous Muslim nation in the world has demonstrated to the world that democracy can function quite well even in a Muslim country.

And certainly we want to commend the good people of Indonesia and their leaders in achieving this degree of democracy and how they've developed their government from times past.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Again, I thank my good friend, the gentlelady from Florida.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 159) recognizing the fifth anniversary of the declaration by the United States Congress of genocide in Darfur, Sudan.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I would like to thank again my good friend the gentlewoman from Florida for introducing this important resolution commemorating the historic declaration by Congress of genocide in Darfur.

On this day we remember reports from Sudan of aerial bombardments of civilians; of the arming of proxy forces; of the razing of villages; of the destruction of irrigation systems and the poisoning of wells; of looting and murder and rape. Madam Speaker, 5 years later much progress has been made, but there are miles yet to go.

The United States is engaged in rigorous and comprehensive efforts to bring peace to Sudan. It is imperative that we not lose sight of the importance of supporting a Comprehensive Peace Agreement; that we do everything we can to support the national census and the upcoming elections; and that we help the displaced to return when possible.

I join my colleagues in anxious anticipation of the administration's forthcoming comprehensive strategy for Sudan and look forward to speaking this week with the President's Special Envoy to Sudan, General Scott Gration, about steps we can take to ensure that Sudan can break what has been a tragic cycle of violence in this part of the world.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, again I do commend the gentlewoman from Florida for her leadership, for her commitment, and for not only introducing this legislation from years past, but she has never let down in her efforts to make sure we take corrective action to address the serious needs of the people of Darfur.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I also yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3219, legislation to amend title 38, U.S. Code, to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs related to insurance and health care, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I do want to commend the gentleman from California, my colleague, the chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and my good friend from Florida who is managing on the other side of the aisle this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3219, among other things, would make permanent the 2-year extension of the free Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance coverage period for totally disabled veterans following separation from active or reserve duty, enable veterans insured under the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program to increase the amount of their coverage, and eliminate the reduction in the amount of accelerated death benefits for terminally ill persons insured under both the SGLI and the VGLI programs.

Mr. Speaker, such improvements to the SGLI and VGLI programs would maximize the opportunity for totally disabled veterans, especially those who have no commercial insurance, the chance to obtain insurance coverage to pay for their medical expenses. Especially in this time of economic hardship, this bill would provide tremendous financial help and security for our veterans and their families.

Moreover, this bill would expand existing health care programs to include veterans that were not otherwise qualified. For example, this bill would provide for the enhanced treatment authority for veterans of the Vietnam era, like myself, and veterans of the Gulf War who may have been exposed to Agent Orange, herbicides known to contain dioxin, which has been linked to cancer and other disorders. While the full impact of these herbicides remain unknown, veterans affected have shown symptoms including persistent memory and concentration problems, chronic headaches, widespread pain, gastrointestinal problems, and other chronic abnormalities not explained by well-established diagnoses.

Mr. Speaker, as a Vietnam veteran myself, and a proud member of the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry Reserve Unit out of Hawaii, I certainly appreciate the service and sacrifice of my fellow servicemen in the United States Armed Forces.

Again, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

General Leave

I certainly want to thank the chairman of our House Veterans' Affairs Committee, the gentleman from California, Chairman Filner, and my good friend from Florida on the other side for aisle for their management. And I also commend the ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), for his sponsorship of this important bill.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1293 would increase the amount authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Health Improvement and Structural Alterations, HISA, from $4,100 to $6,800 for improvements and structural alterations for homes of veterans with service-related disabilities of 50 percent or more, and from $1,200 to $2,000 for veterans with service-connected disabilities less than 50 percent.

Mr. Speaker, HISA continues to provide for our veterans necessary funding for structural and home improvements such as widening doors; putting in handrails or special lighting; making kitchens, bathrooms, windows, electrical outlets and switches more accessible; and building ramps or improving entrance paths and driveways. These structural and home improvements are needed to meet the needs of our disabled veterans.

HISA was created in 1973 out of concern for disabled veterans returning to their homes without proper accommodations. In 1976 there was a ceiling placed, and veterans with service-connected disabilities were receiving $2,500 and veterans with nonservice-related disabilities received only $600. In 1992, public law increased the lifetime benefit limit from $2,500 to $4,100 for service-connected veterans and from $600 to $1,200 to nonservice-connected veterans.

Today the ceiling has been in the process for 17 years even though the costs for home modifications have increased tremendously. No one deserves to prolong their suffering. I believe that this must be addressed to show our continued appreciation for their service and all the accommodations to serve their disabilities should be made.

Mr. Speaker, with the new generation of soldiers returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, this increase is significantly necessary. Our servicemembers have served our country at its time of greatest need and have protected our Nation's best interests, and I believe we should take care of their needs and interests when they return home.

This legislation is necessary, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to commend my colleague, the chief sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Maine, Mr. Michaud, for his leadership and sponsorship of this bill. I also want to thank the chairman of our Veterans Affairs Committee, the gentleman from California, Chairman Filner, Ranking Member Buyer, and also my friend from Florida, Mr. Stearns, who is managing the other side of the aisle.

Mr. Speaker, this bill addresses the important question of who will provide

continuing care for injured servicemen and servicewomen once they transition to veteran status.

Today, more servicemembers are surviving the wounds of war than those injured in previous conflicts. For example, the ratio of wounded to killed averaged approximately 1.7 wounded for every fatality for the first world wars. In Korea and Vietnam, the ratio improved to three wounded per fatality, largely due to air medical evacuation. In Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, improved body armor and superior battlefield medicine techniques have resulted in seven wounded per fatality.

The fact of the matter is, Mr. Speaker, there is a growing need to provide continuing care to those injured and wounded from recent conflicts once they reach veteran status. As a result, providing support and resources to those giving care to these wounded and injured veterans is of real concern.

Unfortunately, the Veterans Administration currently does not collect data that would enable us to assess the number of veterans currently under continuing care. More significantly, there is no data available to assess the number of caregivers, whether they be family members or other individuals. I believe this legislation provides for that right approach, and again thank the gentleman from Maine for his initiative in doing this bill.

This bill would require the VA to conduct a caregivers survey at least once every 3 years of individuals caring for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system and report back to Congress no later than 180 days after the date of which the survey has been completed.

Mr. Speaker, in essence this bill would improve the quality of treatment and care of our veterans. Specifically, this bill would create a new caregiver program in order to provide coordinated support services to those that are giving care to our veterans. Training would be made available to caregivers through the Veterans Administration. Pertinent information would be disseminated to make sure that the caregivers are aware and well informed of services and resources available to them. As a result, the bottom line, Mr. Speaker: Our veterans are provided the necessary care for their needs.

Again, I support the legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to thank the gentleman from Arizona, the chairman of our National Parks Subcommittee, for his leadership and sponsorship of this bill. And I certainly want to associate myself with the comments made earlier by our colleague and former chairman of our House Resources Committee, and currently chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, Congressman Miller, for his comments and commending this legislation to the extent that when you mentioned the name ``Udall,'' it resonates very well in the State of Arizona, which I'm sure my good chairman will always realize that.

I say this with a sense of a tremendous feeling about the Udall family as an early Mormon pioneer family who settled what is now Arizona and the tremendous contributions that these brothers have made to our Nation's environmental issues. How ironic it is from a Western State that you have two dynamic leaders that have shown real leadership in protecting our Nation's environment and all of this, and you think that it comes only from those who want to develop our resources, rather than also looking at the environmental issues as just as important.

Ironically, too, the fact that Stewart Udall's son currently serves as U.S. Senator from the State of Colorado--and I think I'm getting myself mixed up here. There are so many Udalls going around here that even I get confused. Stewart Udall's son, who is Tom, is currently the U.S. Senator from New Mexico, and Mo Udall's son, Mark, is currently the U.S. Senator from Colorado.

But again, Mr. Speaker, I do want to commend my good friend, the gentleman from Arizona, for his sponsorship of this bill, and I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation, especially the tremendous help that it gives to students of the Native American community in our country.

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

Madam Speaker, as a fellow NCO, my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia, and also my good friend, Mr. Wilson from South Carolina, I rise today to draw my colleagues' attention to House Joint Resolution 44, an act that would recognize the valiant efforts and heroism of the noncommissioned officers of the United States Army.

I would like to commend Chairman Skelton for his introduction and leadership and sponsorship of this bill, a token of appreciation for those who serve to protect our Nation and our ideals of freedom.

The noncommissioned officer rank has a long and rich history in the United States Army, originating with the Continental Army in 1775. The most visible leaders of the service, the noncommissioned officers have been the backbone of the Army for more than 230 years.

Often referred to as the ``eyes and ears'' of a commander, noncommissioned officers are not only sought

after for their advice and guidance, but they are the standard keepers of the service, dedicated to the upholding of the Army's and our country's values. Responsible for the training of the Army's future leaders, the noncommissioned officer is integral in executing any given mission of the service.

Madam Speaker, from my own little district of American Samoa, and as a fellow American Samoan, I am very proud to share this little bit of news with my colleagues here in the House today.

Just a few weeks ago, a fellow Samoan, Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua Savusa, a ranger in the 101st Airborne, was recently selected by Admiral Timothy Keating as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the U.S. Army Pacific Command, or PACOM. In other words, the Command Sergeant Major of all the U.S.; not just Army, but the entire unified military command under the Pacific Command currently in Hawaii led by Admiral Keating.

This command was established in 1947 by President Truman and is considered the largest of the United States' unified commands and consists of approximately 250,000 military personnel. Command Sergeant Major Savusa has a long and substantial career in the U.S. Army. He has served overseas all throughout Europe and was instrumental in the initial incursion of Baghdad in Operation Iraqi Freedom, former Command Sergeant Major U.S. Army Europe, and also Former Command Sergeant Major U.S. Army Central Command.

Command Sergeant Major Savusa is an example of the Toa o Samoa, or many of the Samoan soldiers who are enlisted and have served in the many branches of the Armed Forces.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Command Sergeant Major Ace Vimoto; Command Sergeant Major Charles Tobin; Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kokolua Yandall; Command Sergeant Major Falaniko, retired; and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Save Liuato Tuitele for their contributions to our military.

I must pay a special tribute to Command Sergeant Majors Vimoto and Falaniko for they both had sons who enlisted in the Army and have given the ultimate sacrifice to our country. The son of Command Sergeant Major Falaniko, Private First Class Jonathan Falaniko, was killed in Iraq; while the son of Command Sergeant Major Vimoto, Private First Class Timothy Ray Vimoto, was killed in Afghanistan. We must honor these fathers and sons for their selfless sacrifice and the sacrifice they have made in the protection of our freedoms.

I cannot express the immense pride I have in those who persevere daily to protect the freedom and integrity of the United States. Noncommissioned officers of the United States Army are perhaps the most visible embodiment of the moral character and strength of the U.S. Army.

I would like to remind my colleagues that this recognition by Congress is the least that can be done to express a deserved gratitude of those who have served and those who continue to serve in our Army today.

With that, Madam Speaker, I again commend my good friends for their management of this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the gentleman from Missouri, for his management of this important bill, and also the gentlelady from Minnesota for her support. I didn't realize there were fish in Minnesota that big. Maybe if she would catch a 1,000-pound marlin, she would see how big a 1,000-pound marlin would be. But, at any rate, I thank her for her support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 593, recognizing and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the entry of Hawaii into the Union as the 50th State. I commend my colleagues, Congressman Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono, for their introduction of this resolution.

My strong interest in this legislation, Mr. Speaker, is that half of my life was spent in Hawaii during my youth that I spent there. The eight main islands of Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Molokai, Kauai and Niihau span over 1,500 miles in the Pacific Ocean, and Hawaii is the only State comprised of islands. It is home to one-fourth of the endangered species list, as well as eight national parks, which serve to protect volcanoes, rain forest, coral reefs and other complex ecosystems.

In addition to being visually astounding, Hawaii was one of the first States to significantly contribute to the diversity of Congress. The first Native Hawaiian, the first Asian American, the first woman of color, the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the Senate, all hailed from the great State of Hawaii.

A favorite of Elvis Presley, whom I had the privilege of meeting when I was working as a youth performer at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii is also legendary for some of the most famous singers in Don Ho, Melveen Leed, the late Alfred Apaka and Genoa Keawe.

The State also has made great efforts to preserve its culture with Hawaiian language immersion schools, hula competitions and traditional canoe voyages. And what a great thing to remember that it was Duke Kahanamoku, the father of surfing, which now has become an international sport. And a byproduct of surfing, by the way, happens to be the skateboard, which originated from the great State of Hawaii.

I also want to note, Mr. Speaker, Hawaii is proud to give to our Nation her first native son, who is currently the 44th president of the United States, President Barack Obama. At the height of the presidential campaign last year, Mr. Speaker, I remember there was a national blogger going around saying that I was working as a special agent of Barack Obama, and the reason for my travel to Indonesia and to also visit the school in Jakarta, where Barack Obama had attended, was to destroy any records that would indicate that President Obama was born in Indonesia, which would obviously have him disqualified to run as a candidate for President.

Well, Mr. Speaker, this blog continues today, giving such gross misinformation to the American people. I just want to say it is absolute nonsense, and those responsible for this blog should stop it, as I am sure there are better things that they can do than to discredit our President. President Obama was born in Kapiolani Hospital, Honolulu, Hawaii, period.

Mr. Speaker, the State of Hawaii is also remembered for Pearl Harbor. Yes, it has its consequences, reminiscent also of the tremendous disservice and the problem that we did in mistreatment of over 100,000 Japanese Americans. They are Americans who happened to be of Japanese ancestry.

It has also produced the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry, the most decorated unit ever in the history of the United States Army, with 18,000 individual decorations for heroism and bravery in the field of battle, over 9,000 Purple Hearts, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, and, ironically, only one Medal of Honor, but we corrected that mistake. We now have 19 Japanese Americans who were awarded the Medal of Honor, which, as my colleague from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) said, Senator Inouye was one of those recipients to receive the Medal of Honor. For 50 years, members of the unit in Hawaii have brought unique and diverse elements to the culture of the United States. I think it was Michelle Obama who said, ``If you want to understand more about the President, go to Hawaii, and you will understand his sense of philosophy, his sense of caring, his sense of wanting to share and to make sure that we have proper treatment and how we should be treating our fellow human beings.''

To strive to support the endeavors of the islands of the Pacific and to not hesitate to offer any resounding support, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I think it is worthwhile, and we ought to give due recognition to the great State of Hawaii. Again, I thank my good friend from Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 2632 which encourages the display of the American flag on July 27 honoring National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.

I want to commend Mr. Charles Rangel of New York for introducing this important resolution further promoting the national recognition of the veterans who fought valiantly in the Korean war. I would also like to recognize the cosponsors for their strong support of House Resolution 2632.

From June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, American troops were involved in heavy combat on the Korean peninsula against the invading forces of North Korea and the People's Republic of China. For 3 grueling years, our troops battled alone many other nations' troops in defending the peninsula from being enveloped wholly by communism.

Today, there are rougly 2.3 million veterans still alive today. These men have served our country at its time of greatest need and have protected our Nation's best interests. It is imperative that our Nation recognizes the service of these veterans and we must honor them with the raising of the American flag on July 27.

As a Vietnam war veteran myself, I personally appreciate the service of my fellow servicemen of the United States Armed Forces. I realize that the sponsor and my good friend Mr. Charles Rangel is also a veteran of the Korean war. He courageously led troops behind enemy lines for 3 days instead of surrendering to the enemy. It is necessary that we honor and remember many of those who fought bravely alongside my good friend. It is important that my fellow veterans from the Korean war are given the utmost respect for their valor and courage.

I would like to once again, thank Mr. Charles Rangel and the cosponsors for creating and supporting this piece of legislation honoring the veterans of the Korean war by raising the American flag on July 27. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 934, recognizing the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands' (CNMIs') ownership of submerged lands lying three geographical miles outside of mainland coastlines.

First and foremost, I want to commend my good friend, Congressman Sablan of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, for taking the initiative to introduce this important legislation. This bill is an example of the continued efforts by the Congress to support the Territories.

H.R. 934 seeks to officially award the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands submerged lands that are located three geographical miles outside of mainland coastlines. Submerged lands qualify as lands permanently or periodically covered by tidal waters up to, but not above, the line of high tide. American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands were granted ownership over our own respective submerged lands by the 93rd session of the Congress, before the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands became a territory of the United States. The CNMI wishes to be afforded the same opportunities granted to the other territories by having these submerged lands officially recognized as a part of their Territory.

Mr. Speaker, by allowing these submerged lands to be recognized, they will fall under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, as opposed to that of the U.S. Seeing as the submerged lands are located so closely to the mainland, having them fall within the jurisdiction of the CNMI will allow for sufficient justice to be served. Commonwealth citizens and officials, instead of officials residing thousands of miles away, will be implementing and enforcing laws that apply to their population.

The U.S. government will still have claim over gas, oil, and other mineral deposits that may be possibly found on these lands. It should be noted that H.R. 934 applies solely to those lands that are submerged; the U.S. government will still have full control and possession of lands above sea level that do not belong to the Commonwealth. Additionally, it does not circumvent any actions that may be taken or regulations that have been put forth by U.S. naval authorities regarding these submerged lands.

It is apparent that H.R. 934 serves to benefit the Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands and will not be detrimental to the United States. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 934. Again, I thank my colleagues for their support of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2990 to provide special pays and allowances to certain members of the Armed Forces, expand concurrent receipt of military retirement and VA disability benefits to disabled military retirees, and for other purposes. I want to thank my good friend from Missouri, the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee Mr. Skelton, and

all the cosponsors of this important legislation. I want to thank you especially for including in this bill, provisions to extend locality pay to federal employees in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Territories.

Mr. Speaker, federal employees in American Samoa are not getting fair treatment. To date, American Samoa is the only non-foreign area in which federal employees do not receive a cost-of-living allowance. Notwithstanding that by law, federal employees in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa are eligible to receive COLA payments, under OPM regulations American Samoa is not listed as a COLA-designated area. Given that American Samoa faces many of the same issues driving higher prices for goods, services, and travel that face other territories in similar situations, it seems discriminatory that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has chosen not to provide COLA to federal employees in American Samoa.

Further exacerbating the problem is the fact that ``post differential'' compensation is paid to federal employees who are working in American Samoa who have come in from other areas of the country. And so the only non-foreign area federal employees who do not receive any additional compensation are those federal employees from American Samoa, working in American Samoa.

All current and future employees in the non-foreign areas who are eligible to receive a COLA, whether or not they actually do receive it, are covered by this legislation and would therefore receive locality pay under this bill. Under this measure, federal employees in American Samoa will receive 12.9 percent locality pay received by the rest of the US.

Locality pay will be extended to GS employees, administrative law judges, members of the Senior Executive Service, senior level and senior technical (SL/ST) employees, administratively determined employees, GS employees that do not receive COLA, and employees in agencies with unique personnel systems such as the Transportation Security Administration, DoD, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and those agencies covered by the Financial Institution, Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act.

This is a very important legislation for all federal employees and especially my constituents in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa, and I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 2990.