Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about my opposition to the construction of a McDonald's at Utulei Beach.

[Press Release, May 25, 2005]

Faleomavaega Calls Upon McDonalds Corporate Officers to Intervene and

Halt Construction at Utulei Beach

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has

written to Mr. Charles Tautolo, President and CEO of

McDonalds American Samoa Franchise, and has expressed his

opposition to construction of a McDonalds at Utulei Beach. A

copy of the Congressmans letter dated May 25, 2005 and copied

to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the President of

the Senate and Senators, the Speaker and Representatives, the

Vice Chairman and CEO of the McDonalds Corporation, and the

Managing Director/ CEO of McDonalds Australia, is included

below:

Dear Mr. Tautolo:

I am writing to express my opposition to your decision to

build a McDonalds restaurant at the Utulei Beach Park in

American Samoa. I am also requesting a copy of your

feasibility study pertaining to this proposed location.

It is my understanding that as a responsible corporation it

has been the practice of McDonalds to conduct a feasibility

study and/or an environmental impact assessment of a proposed

site before construction of a new facility may proceed. I am

hopeful that this is also the case in American Samoa and, for

this reason, I would appreciate a copy of your study.

I also believe McDonalds feasibility study for the Utulei

Beach Park should be shared with the people of American Samoa

because they deserve to know what impact your proposed

restaurant will have on the welfare of our community. While I

applaud the many valuable contributions McDonalds has made in

American Samoa, I do not believe your current plans are

sensitive to the social and environmental concerns of our

Territory.

Since the day McDonalds announced plans to build on the

Utulei Beach, which is the only public beach in American

Samoa, my office has been inundated with calls from

constituents voicing their objections to your proposal. I

have read of further complaints in our local papers and the

Senate has passed a resolution recommending that the Governor

not finalize the McDonalds lease.

I have also received a petition signed by water sport

organizations incorporated in the U.S. Territory of American

Samoa which includes Executive Committee Members of the

American Samoa National Olympic Committee. Organizations

opposed to the construction of a McDonalds at the Utulei

Beach include the American Samoa Kayak Canoe Association

Inc., the American Samoa Swimming Association Inc., the

American Samoa Canoe Racing Association Inc., the Aiga Tautai

O Samoa Inc., the American Samoa Yacht Racing Association

Inc., the American Samoa Surfing Association Inc., the Pago

Pago Game Fishing Association Inc. and Common Cause.

Aquatic sports such as sailing, canoeing, and yachting are

flourishing at Utulei Beach. International sailing and

especially outrigger events which celebrate our proud

heritage have been hosted at Utulei Beach and, in time,

Utulei Beach may become a major tourist attraction. It is

also my understanding that Utulei Beach offers the only

stretch of shoreline where outrigger canoes and fautausi, or

longboats, can enter deep water via the natural channel

through the reef.

More importantly, Utulei Beach has been enjoyed by the

people of American Samoa for generations and, in keeping with

traditional Samoan culture, families travel for miles to swim

or picnic at this public location so as to respect the more

restrictive customs set forth by each village council. For

many reasons, including the historical and social

significance it holds for our families and the economic

implications it has for our future, Utulei Beach must be

preserved. This is why federal funds have been appropriated

to finance the Utulei Beach Project which was included as a

priority project for the Community Development Block Grant

Program.

These are facts which I believe must be shared with the

McDonalds Corporation and given the importance of this issue

I am copying this letter to Mr. Jim Skinner, Vice Chairman

and Chief Executive Officer, as well as Mr. Peter Bush,

Managing Director/CEO, McDonalds Australia. I am also

informing both that there are other sites available for

construction of another McDonalds in American Samoa.

Also, with the popularity McDonalds enjoys in American

Samoa, I am confident that the people of American Samoa will

appreciate, support and welcome another McDonalds in any

location other than Utulei Beach. In turn, McDonalds must be

sensitive to the wishes of our people. The McDonalds

Corporation has built its reputation on being a responsible

corporate partner and invests millions of dollars to promote

family values.

Therefore, I am hopeful that this issue will be immediately

resolved at the corporate level. However, if I must go to the

House Floor on a daily basis to express my outrage about

McDonalds unwillingness to respect the publics concerns

regarding your proposed lease agreement with the local

government, I will have no choice but to do so.

Sincerely,

Eni F.H. Faleomavaega

Member of Congress.

cc: Gov. Togiola Tulafono; Lt. Gov. Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia;

President of the Senate and Senator; Speaker of the House and

Representatives; Mr. Jim Skinner, Vice Chairman & CEO,

McDonalds Corporation; Mr. Peter Bush, Managing Director/CEO,

McDonalds Australia

I am hopeful that this matter will be resolved locally but,

if not, I have called upon the McDonalds Corporation to

immediately intervene and put an end to construction at

Utulei Beach. Constructing a McDonalds at the only public

beach in American Samoa goes against the core values of the

McDonalds Corporation which promotes an agenda of community

involvement, environmental protection, and a promise to earn

the trust of its customers and everyone else affected by its

business. It is time for McDonalds to live up to its promise

and I trust that all involved will do right by the people of

American Samoa, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about the establishment of the VA clinic in American Samoa.

[Press Release, Nov. 11, 2000]

First Step in Establishing a VA Medical Clinic in American Samoa Is

Underway

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that a technical

team will be in American Samoa from November 13th-17th to set

up and test telecom connections for the veterans enrollment

plan scheduled for early December.

This is an important moment for our veterans, Congressman

Faleomavaega said. And it is an important moment for American

Samoa. Establishing an accurate method for enrolling our

veterans is the first step in establishing a VA medical

clinic in American Samoa. The purpose of the technical teams

visit is to ensure that all systems are go when the VA team

arrives to enroll our veterans in early December. Congressman

Faleomavaega also explained that the teams visit is part of a

collective effort between his office, ASG, and the VA offices

in Honolulu and American Samoa.

I want to thank Governor Tauese for his commitment to our

veterans. I also want to thank the Governors Special

Assistants on Veterans Affairs, High Chief Tuiteleleapaga Fue

Ioane, President of the Veterans Advisory Council, and High

Talking Chief Paogofie Fiaigoa, Veterans Affairs Officer,

Congressman Faleomavaega said. We are working together to

ensure that our veterans receive top-notch health care and

benefits. We are working together to ensure that every

veteran in American Samoa counts and that no one is left

behind. We will not be satisfied with the process until every

veteran in Samoa is accounted for and enrolled in the system.

I have also been working with Senator Akaka, a senior

member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, and

Congressman Lane Evans, Ranking Member of the House Committee

on Veterans Affairs, Congressman Faleomavaega said. Both

gentlemen are fully supportive of our efforts to establish a

VA medical clinic with a full-time physician in the

Territory. The technical teams planned visit for the week of

November 13th is the first step in our collective effort to

establish the process that may lead to the construction of

our own facility.

Congressman Faleomavaega also noted that Federal law

requires an accurate accounting and enrollment of veterans

before any consideration can be made to establish a VA

medical clinic. It is incumbent upon every veteran living on

island to take part in the enrollment process. If we want a

clinic with a full-time physician, every veteran must

participate, Congressman Faleomavaega said. I strongly urge

all veterans on island to participate and enroll when the

time comes.

For now, the technical team, headed by Dr. Norman Okamura,

will visit Fagatua, Tafuna, Leone and Samoana High Schools to

confirm facility arrangements for enrollment activity.

According to Congressman Faleomavaega, the team will also

confirm the VAs clinical patient record system server

configuration and network requirements.

The technical team plans to meet with LBJ and Health

Department officials to consider the registration process and

to discuss the IHS data system. During this time the team

will also be working closely with Johnny Mapu, PTSD

Coordinator for the office of Veterans Affairs. Provided all

systems are go, the VA enrollment team will arrive in

American Samoa during the week of December 4th to begin the

enrollment process.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the legislative history of village road improvements in American Samoa.

[Press Release, Mar. 25, 2004]

House Transportation Committee Agrees To Increase Highway Funding for

Territories and Include $14 Million for Village Road and Other

Improvements in American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced that the House Committee

on Transportation agreed yesterday to increase federal

highway funding for the Territories and include $14 million

for village road and other improvements in American Samoa.

Although this bill still must pass the House and Senate, I

am pleased that my

good friends Chairman Don Young and Ranking Member Jim

Oberstar of the House Transportation Committee have agreed to

increase transportation funding for the Territories,

Congressman Faleomavaega said. Congresswoman Madeleine

Bordallo (Guam), Congresswoman Donna Christensen (VI) and I

have worked on this issue for the past year and Congressman

Nick Rahall, Ranking Member of the House Resources Committee,

has supported our efforts.

As a result of our work, the Territorial Highway Program

(which includes American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands

and CNMI) will be increased from $33 million to $40 million

for FY04, FY05 and FY06. For FY07, FY08 and FY09, funding

will increase to $50 million. Despite the Transportation Act

(now known as TEA-LU) being $100 billion less than what was

originally proposed, the Territorial set aside will increase

by 23.6%.

Moreover, American Samoa will receive $14 million for high

priority projects including village road improvements,

drainage mitigation, shoreline protection and upgrades and

repairs of the Tau ferry terminal facility. On January 23,

2004, I called Governor Togiola to let him know that the

Committee had informed me of its intentions and asked that we

keep this information confidential until the Committee held

its mark-up. The Committee originally intended to hold its

mark-up in February but postponed it until March 24, 2004.

On February 4, 2004, I also wrote to Governor Togiola in

response to his January 15, 2004 letter to me. In my letter,

I explained that from 1992 to 2003 American Samoa received

over $77 million in federal highway funds including $12

million I obtained to improve village roads in American

Samoa.

Roads that are not part of the federal highway system are

ineligible for funding. This rule applies to every state and

territory and includes our village roads. Be that as it may,

I fought hard to convince my colleagues that an exception

should be made for American Samoa and in 1998 they agreed to

support my request for $12 million for village road

improvements.

The 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century is

now expiring and Congress is reauthorizing funds for the next

six years. Again, the House Transportation Committee has

agreed to my request for additional funds for American Samoa.

On March 5, 2003, the House Committee on Transportation

notified members of Congress that it would accept written and

oral testimony regarding requests for funding. On March 5,

2003, I wrote Governor Sunia and requested his input.

Although I did not hear back from Governor Sunia, I testified

and appeared before the Committee.

Initially, I requested money for a ferry boat and terminal

construction as well as funding for our village roads.

However, since September 2003, Governor Togiola and I have

worked together to obtain funding for the purchase of a

vessel for Manua and on January 22, 2004, the House Committee

on Transportation informed me that it would be able to grant

$14 million of my requests for highway projects in American

Samoa. This funding is in addition to our annual federal

highway funds.

In consultation with the Governor, we have set aside $9.4

million for village road improvements in the Eastern,

Western, Central and Manua districts of American Samoa. In

further consultation with Senator Tuaolo Fruean and High

Paramount Chief Mauga and members of the Pago Pago council of

chiefs, we have also set aside $1 million for drainage

mitigation for Pago Pago village roads.

In consultation with Senator Tago Suilefaiga,

Representative Fagasoaia Lealaitafea and Representative Mary

Taufetee and members of the Nu'uuli council of chiefs, we

have set aside $1 million for shoreline protection and

drainage mitigation for Nu'uuli village roads. In

consultation with Senator Faamausili Pola and members of the

Tau village council of chiefs, we have set aside $1.6 million

to upgrade and repair the Tau harbor facility.

Finally, in consultation with Senator Faiivae Galeai,

Senator Lualemaga Faoa and members of the Leone and Malaeloa

councils of chiefs, we have set aside $1 million for drainage

mitigation for Malaeloa-Leone village roads. Governor Togiola

and I thank our local leaders for their support of this

historic and important initiative and we are hopeful that the

House and Senate will pass this legislation before the 108th

Congress adjourns, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about a provision for non-Samoan veterans married to Samoans to qualify for VA home loans.

[Press Release, Nov. 10, 2005]

House Passes VA Housing Assistance Bill and Includes Faleomavaega's

Provision for American Samoas Veterans and Their Spouses

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that by a voice

vote the House passed H.R. 3665, the Veterans Housing and

Employment Improvement Act of 2005 and included

Faleomavaega's provision for American Samoas veterans.

I especially want to thank Chairman Steve Buyer and Ranking

Member Lane Evans of the Committee on Veterans Affairs and

also Chairman John Boozman and Ranking Member Stephanie

Herseth of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity for their

leadership in making it possible for Native Americans to

participate in the veterans housing loan program, Congressman

Faleomavaega said.

I am especially thankful that American Samoas veterans have

also been able to participate in this very successful program

and I thank my colleagues for working with me to address the

concerns of American Samoans without adversely affecting the

rights of other tribes. Many Samoans have served in the

military and they are allowed to obtain home loans under

current law. Other Samoans are married to non-Samoan veterans

Non-native military spouses married to native Samoans have

not been able to qualify for the VA home loan program. In

part, this is because the Native American Home Loan program

excludes the spouses of non-native Americans from qualifying

for a VA home loan.

This has been problematic in American Samoa because most

land in American Samoa is communal and the VA has only made

it possible for Samoans of Tutuila, Manus, Aunuu, or Swain

Islands to qualify for home loans offered by traditional

lending institutions because only they can make claim to

native land. As a result, non-native spouses of veterans or

persons serving in the US Armed Forces who are married to a

Samoan have not been able to qualify for a VA home loan.

However, the VA has been helpful in assisting the Veterans

Affair Committee and my office in drafting language to

rectify this problem and I am pleased that this language has

now been included in HR 3665.

As we have agreed, it is our understanding that this

language now makes it possible for a non-Samoan military

member or veteran to qualify for a VA loan if the non-Samoan

military member has a meaningful interest in the housing a

Samoan spouse has been granted permission to build on

communal land. It is also our understanding that meaningful

interest means that the veteran has the right to reside in

the home under tribal laws.

This is good news for our veterans and their spouses. For

this reason, I again thank my colleagues for including my

provision in this important legislation. I also thank the VA

for its assistance and my good friend Ranking Member Lane

Evans of the VA Committee for his tireless efforts and

support, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about American Samoa's Commemorative Quarter.

[Press Release, Mar. 25, 2004]

House Passes Bill To Provide American Samoa With a Commemorative

Quarter

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that by a vote of

411 to 14 the House overwhelmingly passed H.R. 2993, a bill

to provide for a circulating quarter dollar coin program to

commemorate American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam,

Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana

Islands.

In general, this legislation would amend the popular 50

States Commemorative Coin Program Act to include 6 new

designs emblematic of the District of Columbia, American

Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the

Northern Mariana Islands. Designs on the reverse side of each

quarter dollar issued during 2009 will be selected by the

Secretary of Treasury in consultation with the chief

executive officers of these areas, Congressman Faleomavaega

said.

All five delegates are and were original co-sponsors of

this bi-partisan measure. This measure was first introduced

in the 106th Congress and passed overwhelmingly in the House

by a vote of 377-6. Unfortunately, the 106th Congress ended

before the Senate was able to consider our bill. During the

107th Congress, identical legislation (H.R. 4005) passed the

House and was received in the Senate in October of 2002. Once

again, the Senate was unable to consider this matter before

the 107th Congress adjourned.

Now, we have introduced H.R. 2993 and we are hopeful that

the House and Senate will pass this legislation before the

108th Congress adjourns. At this time, I want to thank

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for her leadership and I

also want to thank the other Delegates who have also worked

tirelessly to ensure that this legislation is considered,

Congressman Faleomavaega said.

It is only fitting for Congress to acknowledge the

Territories relationship with the United States. Speaking on

behalf of American Samoa, we have a long and proud history of

supporting the United States. The traditional leaders of the

islands of Tutuila and Aunuu ceded our islands to the United

States in 1900. Four years later, the King of Manua and his

chiefs ceded the Manua Islands.

In the early part of the century, the port village of Pago

Pago was used as a coaling station for U.S. naval ships.

During WWII, it was used as a support base for U.S. soldiers.

To this day, American Samoa serves as a refueling point for

U.S. naval ships and military aircraft.

American Samoa also has a per capita enlistment rate in the

U.S. military which is as high as any State or U.S.

Territory. Our sons and daughters have served in record

numbers in every U.S. military engagement from WWII to

present operations in Iraq. We have stood by the United

States in good times and bad and I believe this relationship

should be acknowledged with the issuance of a commemorative

coin.

H.R. 2993 affords us an opportunity to recognize the

special contributions that American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico,

the Northern Marianas and the District of Columbia have made

to the history of our Nation. I thank my colleagues for

voting in favor of this legislation and I urge the Senate to

also support our cause, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Dong Suk Kim and the Korean American Civic Empowerment for Community (KACE) based in New York and New Jersey for their dedication in promoting civil rights and in organizing the Korean-American community.

Mr. Kim was born in South Korea and immigrated to the U.S. in 1985. He resides in Tenafly, New Jersey, with his wife, Hyunjoo Hwang, and their son, Sol.

Mr. Dong Suk Kim is a Founder and Executive Committee Chair of KACE. Mr. Kim was President of the Korean American Voters' Council (KAVC) from 1996 through 2010. Mr. Kim has devoted his life to empowering the Korean-American community after the Los Angeles riots in 1992, which were a result of the Rodney King case and which seriously impacted the Korean-American community in the United States.

As the President of KACE, Mr. Kim led the organization to significant achievements. KACE increased Korean-American voter turnout in the Greater New York area from less than 5% in 1996 to over 58% in 2012, assisted more than 27,000 Korean-Americans to register to vote, and organized a community-based campaign for the 2000 and 2010 Census. To advance Korean-Americans' voting rights, KACE publishes voter guides in Korean, operates a voter hotline every year, and mails more than 500 voter registration and vote-by-mail forms to Korean-American voters every year.

I would also like to commend Mr. Kim and KACE for their active roles in organizing a nationwide campaign in support of the ``Comfort Women Resolution'' (H. Res. 121 in the 110th Congress) in 2007 which addresses matters related to the sexual slavery imposed by Japanese armed forces during World War II. Mr. Kim traveled to all major Korean towns in the U.S., including Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, and Chicago to organize the campaign. As a result of this grassroots campaign, the Comfort Women Resolution was adopted unanimously by the House of Representatives on July 30, 2007.

In 2011, Mr. Kim led a grassroots campaign in support of the U.S.- Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) to advance bilateral commercial cooperation as well as the interests of the Korean-American community. The agreement was signed by both governments in 2007 but was not ratified by Congress until October 2011. The Korean-American community expressed its strong support for the agreement and it was passed by both governments in 2011.

Every year, Mr. Kim and KACE organize many programs to educate, organize and mobilize the Korean-American community and to promote its civic participation. It is fitting and proper to honor both Mr. Kim's and KACE's outstanding contributions and commitment to the Korean- American community and to the United States of America, and I am pleased to offer this statement for historical purposes.

Mr. Speaker, on August 10, 1955, the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) and the United States established diplomatic relations.

Since this time, both countries have worked together on key issues, including carrying out humanitarian work for and on behalf of those missing in action (MIA). In 2008, the Lao PDR and USA established military-to-military cooperation. Laos would like to work more closely on UXO clearance, counter-narcotics, and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

Laos is considered the world's most heavily bombed nation. From 1964 through 1973, during the war in Indochina, the United States flew 580,000 bombing runs over Laos and dropped more than 2 million tons of ordnance on the countryside, exceeding the amount of bombs dropped on Germany and Japan in World War II.

Cluster bombs still continue to kill innocent people and also affect rural economic development. Estimates of the number of unexploded submunitions from cluster bombs range from 8 million to 80 million, with less than one half of one percent destroyed, and less than 1% of contaminated lands cleared.

In response to a hearing I held in April 2010 drawing attention to the situation during my service as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and after U.S. Secretary of State Clinton made her historic visit to Laos in 2012, the U.S. government increased assistance to Laos from $5 million to $9 million in 2012; and up to $12 million in 2014.

While the Lao government appreciates the assistance, this is a pittance. In order to be bomb-free, Laos needs the United States to assume responsibility for UXO clearance and contribute significantly-- in a way that would make a difference.

Regarding counter-narcotics, the United States has facilitated the work of the National Committee for Drug Control and Supervision since 1989. Due to Lao government action and international cooperation between 1998 and 2007, opium poppy cultivation has decreased by 96 percent. However, cultivation has since risen from 1,500 hectares (ha) in 2007 to 6,800 ha in 2012, as estimated by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Laos sits at the heart of regional drug trade in mainland southeast Asia and shares remote and poorly-controlled borders with Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China. The Lao government recognizes the threat posed by illegal narcotics production and trafficking and has articulated policies to address it. However, the Lao government possesses little ability to act independently since a high percentage of the government budget comes from international donors. The United States decreased its funding from $650,000 per year to about $330,000. This has made it difficult for Laos to implement the 2013 work plan on counter-narcotics. The Lao government is hopeful that the U.S. will consider increased support for funding and also for further assistance to build rehabilitation drug treatment centers in some provinces.

Regarding GSP, Laos became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2013 and is looking forward to promoting bilateral trade with countries in the world including the United States. Laos is hopeful that the United States will consider GSP approval to Laos.

The Lao government is represented in the U.S. by His Excellency Seng Soukhathivong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the United States. Ambassador Seng Soukhathivong began his diplomatic duties in June 26, 2010. He served as First Secretary and Counselor from 1993 to 1997; and in 2001 as Minister Counselor and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Lao Embassy in Washington D.C. Ambassador Soukhathivong has more than 30 years of experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Seng Soukhathivong has worked to strengthen bilateral relations and to promote trade and investment in Laos. He has also been a strong advocate in calling for the removal of cluster bombs in Laos and in urging the U.S. government to provide greater assistance. He is my dear friend and brother, and I commend him for his outstanding service.

I extend my kindest and highest regards to His Excellency Seng Soukhathivong and his lovely and talented wife, Madam Somdy Soukhathivong, and their two children, Prakaiseng and Sengfa. It has been my distinct honor to know them, and I wish them the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Honorable President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, His Excellency Ambassador Altangerel Bulgaa, the State Great Hural, and the people of Mongolia for their commitment to the development of a stable and prospering democracy. Since establishing diplomatic relations with the United States in 1987, Mongolia has successfully conducted six presidential and six legislative elections. Additionally, Mongolia has supported international peace efforts by deploying troops to Iraq from 2003 through October 2008, and now has approximately 350 troops in Afghanistan supporting Coalition operations.

Mongolia has also achieved remarkable success over the past two decades as one of Asia's fastest growing economies. Since 2003, Mongolia's GDP has more than doubled. With one of the world's largest copper and gold mines, such as the Oyu Tolgoi, which boasts one of the biggest metallurgical and thermal coal deposits as well, Mongolia is on track to become a thriving mining center in the Asian region. Additionally, Mongolia's trade with the United States has surged in the last few years, making the United States Mongolia's third largest trading partner.

Today the relationship between our two countries continues to grow and strengthen. I look forward to the continuing cooperation and comprehensive partnership between Mongolia and the United States based on our shared values and common strategic interests, and I have every confidence that Mongolia will continue to flourish as a relevant and established presence in the region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Myanmar for its positive developments in political transition and economic affairs.

After decades of isolation, Myanmar started a series of drastic political and economic reforms under President U Thein Sein in 2011 that present a promising opportunity for sustainable development toward democratization, freedom, rule of law and peace--crucial factors for a life of dignity.

President U Thein Sein was welcomed to the White House in May 2013, the first Myanmar leader to visit the United States in 47 years. He updated President Obama on key developments since Obama's visit to Yangon half a year earlier and both leaders praised Myanmar's political and economic progress. A year after U Thein Sein's visit to the U.S. 49 companies were registered in Myanmar, among them GE, Chevron, Coca-Cola and Colgate-Palmolive. In November 2014, President Obama joined regional leaders for the 25th ASEAN summit in Myanmar and met both President U Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Myanmar government is represented in the U.S. by His Excellency U Kyaw Myo Htut, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of the Republic of Myanmar to the United States. Ambassador U Kyaw Myo Htut has been the Myanmar Ambassador to the United States since September 2013. Prior to that he served as Ambassador of Myanmar to the United Kingdom (2011 to 2013) and in this role played a crucial part in the lifting of the European Union's sanctions on Myanmar.

Ambassador U Kyaw Myo Htut aims to promote trade and strengthen bilateral ties with the United States. An essential part of his job is to push for more U.S. investment in Myanmar while addressing human rights issues. In that regard, he works towards re-allowing the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) for trade with Myanmar, which Congress stopped extending in July 2013.

In his role as Ambassador, U Kyaw Myo Htut also serves as an economic facilitator and regularly advises U.S. investors and companies wishing to enter the Myanmar market. U Kyaw Myo Htut takes a strong stand toward the improvement of human rights in Myanmar and shows continuous efforts to encourage the United States to acknowledge ongoing reforms.

Since 2011, the Myanmar government has strongly welcomed private and foreign investment. The Myanmar government revised several outdated laws, granted licenses for airport construction and telecommunication projects and began to rebuild its infrastructure in a bid to attract foreign capital. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that the current growth rate of 6.5% could triple per capita income by 2030 on the grounds that Myanmar will overcome the challenges ahead. These figures are supported by the McKinsey Global Institute, which estimates that Myanmar's economy will quadruple by 2030 to over USD 200 billion.

Being a resource-rich country with a single market of 60 million people and a developed private sector and middle class, Myanmar's economy suffers from an outdated financial system and banking sector. In 1990 the Central Bank Law reestablished the country's own Central Bank. Although new commercial banks were established, Myanmar was affected by Western sanctions. Due to these sanctions, the banking system could not be connected to the rest of the world at that time.

In 2013, President U Thein Sein signed a new Central Bank Act giving the Central Bank more independence while local banks expanded their branches and services rapidly. The opening up of the financial sector was further strengthened by the country's decision in September to grant a provisional banking license to nine institutions, providing them with the authorization to deal with foreign companies, local banks and--in cooperation with a local institution--with Burmese companies. Among the nine banks that have been selected from a total of 25 applications are the three major Japanese houses: Bank of Tokyo- Mitsubishi, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking and Mizuho Bank. Singapore is also well represented with the OCBC and UOB. Further banks taken into account are Australia and New Zealand Banking (ANZ), Malaysia's Maybank, the Bangkok Bank and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). American banks did not participate in the application process.

The Myanmar government hopes that the admission of international financial institutions will provide an important impetus to the expansion of direct investment, as the nine selected institutions represent the major investor countries. This is important considering the many challenges faced by the banking sector. The country is still struggling to recover from the 2003 banking crisis, which had a lasting impact on the now mainly cash-based economy. It will require a strong regulatory framework, updated information technology infrastructure and skilled personnel to be ready for the challenges ahead.

Much more could be said about the work of Nobel Peace winner Aung San Suu Kyi, about President U Thein Sein's policy of openness, and about the country's positive developments in regard to religious freedom, healthcare and education. However, the policy of openness is not irreversible and the international community must do all it can to ensure that Myanmar's course is set right for sustainable development. It is essential that stability is achieved through economic and social prospects for all people, and I commend all who are working towards this goal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend, His Excellency Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the United States. Ambassador Cuong is more than a friend. He is my brother and, for historical purposes, I wish to pay tribute to him as he completes his term in the United States and returns to Vietnam.

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong was appointed by President Nguyen Minh Triet as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the United States of America in early 2011. He has been accredited to the title of Senior Ambassador--the highest rank for a Vietnamese career diplomat. He presented his Credentials to President Barack Obama in July 2011.

From 2008 to 2011, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong was Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of relations of Vietnam with European countries. He was also the chief negotiator in charge of relations between Vietnam and the Vatican.

From 2007 to 2008, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong was Director-General, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Foreign Affairs, and was later appointed as the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From 2005 to 2007, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong served as Deputy Director-General, Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation, Head of Political and Security Section of the APEC Vietnam Secretariat when Vietnam was host of APEC in 2006.

From 1981 to 2005, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong was an officer at the China Department and researcher at the Institute of International Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During this time, he also served in the Vietnam People's Army from 1983 to 1985.

During his 30 year career, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong was posted twice to Vietnam's missions abroad, as Minister Counselor, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Vietnam in Ottawa, Canada from 2002 to 2005 and as Second Secretary at the Embassy of Vietnam in Beijing, the People's Republic of China from 1990 to 1993.

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong graduated from the University of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam (1976-1981) and earned an MA in International Relations at Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA (1996-1997). Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong also conducted studies on public administration at the Maxwell School of Public Administration, Syracuse University in 1998. He also participated in the Vietnam Executive Leadership Program at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in 2009.

On November 7, 2014, the U.S. Department of State honored Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong by hosting a farewell reception for him

at Blair House, the President's Guest House which serves as a site for American diplomacy in action. Blair House is the official state guest house for the President of the United States and is maintained by the Department of State. An invitation to be hosted at Blair House is an honor of the highest significance. Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong is the first Ambassador from Vietnam to be honored with a farewell reception at the Blair House and this speaks to the significance of his work for and on behalf of strengthening U.S.-Vietnam relations.

As Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, it has been my distinct privilege to work side by side with Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong. Together, we created the first Friends of Vietnam Caucus in the U.S. Congress, and I have every hope that it will grow in importance. We have also worked to improve economic and trade relations and I am pleased that during Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong's service in the United States, the U.S. and Vietnam celebrated 20 years of trade relations.

I commend Vietnam's leadership on the matter of maritime territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) disputes in the South and East China Seas. Vietnam has demonstrated restraint and strength in dealing with China by adopting a strategy that promotes peace and stability in the region and, going forward, I have every reason to believe that Vietnam's influence in the region will be pivotal in resolving further disputes.

On a personal note, I want to publicly thank Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong for all he did on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, of which I am a member. For as long as I live, I will never be able to thank Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong for giving his all to bring about recognition of the interim representative committee of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vietnam.

For their love, support and prayers, I especially express my deepest gratitude to Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong and his very talented and beautiful wife, Madam Hoang Minh Ha. When I was ill, they prayed over me and when I returned to work they stood beside me. They are more than friends. They are family to me, and I hope I am family to them.

We have walked together with faith in every footstep and it is only fitting that I conclude my service in Washington, D.C. at the same time Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong and Madam Ha conclude their service. I wish for the Ambassador and his wife life's sweetest blessings. I wish the same for the Ambassador's daughter and son--Nguyen Huong Chi and Nguyen Quoc Anh--and Madam Ha's niece Mai Hoang Anh. I pray God will be with them, until we meet again.

Mr. Speaker, in an ignorant display of defiance, NFL owner Dan Snyder vowed to continue his racist use of the offensive term ``redskins'' for his Washington team when he stated, ``We'll never change the name. NEVER--you can use caps.''

For historical purposes and in response to Mr. Snyder's unceasing, racist rants which disrespect Native Americans across this land who oppose the use of this derogatory term, I rise today to share with my colleagues and submit an editorial I recently co-authored with Suzan Harjo, a noted Native American rights advocate, entitled ``Change Will Prevail''.

[From The Hill, Sept. 9, 2014]

Change Will Prevail

(By Eni F.H. Faleomavaega and Suzan Shown Harjo)

In 1933 George Preston Marshall renamed his team the

Washington Redskins, previously known as the Washington

Braves, to avoid confusion with the Boston Braves. He did not

seek federal trademark protection for the name until 1967,

when students were trying to rid Oklahoma, Dartmouth,

Stanford and other schools of their race-based stereotypes

and were using the example of the Washington team name as the

worst in the country. The United States Patent and Trademark

Office (USPTO) wrongly granted him and later owners six

trademark licenses for this racial slur.

Some suggest this action was in violation of the Trademark

Act of 1946, or the Lanham Act, which directs the USPTO to

refuse to register trademarks that ``may disparage . . .

persons, living or dead, institutions, beliefs, or national

symbols, or bring them into contempt, or disrepute.'' In 1999

and again this year, the USPTO's trademark judges canceled

the existing federal trademarks, pending appeal, and its

examining attorneys have denied a dozen requests for new

trademarks.

While pundits on both sides of the argument dispute its

origins, the term ``redskins'' is reminiscent of colonial

times when, by governmental decree, Native Americans were

hunted, killed, and scalped for bounty. The struggle to rid

the sports world of this disgusting term is about that

heinous history of commodifying native skins.

In June of this year, the USPTO responded favorably to a

petition filed by five young Native Americans, holding that

the offending trademarks, owned by Pro-Football, Inc, (the

entity that owns and operates the Washington franchise) were

``disparaging to Native Americans at the respective times

they were registered.'' We applaud the USPTO's cancellation

of the six federal trademark registrations that use this

disparaging term.

Foreseeing that current owner Dan Snyder would appeal the

USPTO decision just like he did in 1999, historic legislation

was introduced in the House of Representatives that would

permanently clarify the Lanham Act to ensure that the

derogatory term will never receive federal trademark

protection again. H.R. 1278, the Non-Disparagement of Native

American Persons or Peoples in Trademark Registration Act of

2013, now has more than 20 co-sponsors.

As early as May 13, 2013, 10 members of the House also sent

a joint letter to Snyder and

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressing the necessity for

H.R. 1278 and urging a name change for the Washington

franchise. Members of the Senate later solidified support by

sending a similar letter to the NFL on May 24, 2014.

The clarion call by Native American tribal leaders and

organizations to end the shameful legacy of this despicable

term can no longer be ignored. Members of the House and

Senate have spoken. President Obama thinks the name should be

changed. So does U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. U.S.

District Judge Peter J. Messitte held: ``the Court will

refrain from using the team name unless reference is made to

a direct quote where the name appears.'' Bob Costas,

Christine Brennan and other notable journalists, athletes and

political figures have joined the effort to rid the NFL of

this denigrating word. The Washington Post will no longer use

the offensive word in its editorials. The New York Daily News

refuses to acknowledge the word in its publications. Even an

entire network--CBS--has decided not to dictate the use of

this term on the air, allowing its announcers to stop using

the term during NFL broadcasts this season.

You can use caps. Change will prevail. Until it does, we

call upon the NFL to stop perpetuating racism against Native

Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 83 to require the Secretary of the Interior to assemble a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to address the energy needs of the insular areas of the United States and the Freely Associated States through the development of action plans aimed at reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and increasing use of indigenous clean energy resources, and for other purposes.

This bill was introduced by my good friend, Congresswoman Donna Christensen, and I thank her for her leadership. I also commend my fellow Territorial Delegates for their support. I am proud to be an original cosponsor, and I commend Chairman Fred Upton and Ranking Member Henry Waxman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce for bringing this legislation to the floor today.

H.R. 83 is critical in order to provide a comprehensive approach in addressing the high cost of energy in our island Territories and in the Freely Associated States. Given our remote locations, we rely solely on imported fuel has an adverse effect on our local economies.

As discussed at 3rd International Conference of Small Island Developing States that was held in Apia, Samoa a few weeks ago, we should also be concerned about the effects of climate change on our communities. It is crucial that we develop action plans aimed at reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels.

H.R. 83 is an important first step in addressing our challenges and I urge my colleagues to support and pass H.R. 83.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the passage of H. Res. 121, an historic resolution which expresses the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as `comfort women', during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II.

H. Res. 121 was passed on July 30, 2007, and I commend my good friend, Congressman Michael Honda of California, for introducing it. I admire his courage and devotion for causes that matter. As a Japanese- American, he gave voice to this cause in a way no other could and, because of him, this Resolution stands as a testament of his advocacy for and on behalf of those who suffer.

I also commend Dong Suk Kim of Korean American Civic Empowerment (KACE) for his grassroots efforts in bolstering support for H. Res. 121 which led to its successful passage. His contributions made a significant difference.

I also commend the Honorable Nancy Pelosi. In my opinion, her decision to bring H. Res. 121 to the Floor for House consideration was the key factor that made passage possible. As the first woman in American history to serve as Speaker of the House, her clarion call for equality and empowerment for women is of consequence globally and historically. Her personal commitment to the women who still bear the scars from the Imperial Armed Force's coercion will never be forgotten.

In 2007, it was my honor to hold the first hearing ever held on this sensitive issue. Although this legislation had been introduced in the U.S. Congress for more than a decade, including by my good friend, former Congressman Lane Evans, no Committee had ever held

a hearing on the matter. But, in 2007, I determined that my first action as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific would be to hold a hearing calling upon Japan to apologize for the war crimes its Imperial Armed Forces perpetuated against innocent young girls and women.

Congressman Honda testified before the Subcommittee as did three survivors, including Ms. Yong Soo Lee, Ms. Jan Ruff O'Herne, and Ms. Koon Ja Kim. I will never, ever forget the testimony of these three women. They remain my heroes. Because of their courage, an official record now stands forevermore on file with the U.S. House of Representatives that speaks the truth about what Japan's Imperial Armed Forces did to them. Their childhoods were stolen. Their destinies were disrupted. But their spirits were not broken because they know, like I know, that God will one day set everything right and justice will come--no matter what.

And so, I pay tribute to Ms. Lee, Ms. O'Herne, Ms. Kim and all those they represented. It has been my honor to know them and also to know all my grandmothers at the House of Sharing. I wish God's sweetest blessings upon them.

I also thank President Park Geun-hye, then a member of South Korea's National Assembly, for attending our Subcommittee hearing as an observer. The Subcommittee was extraordinarily honored to welcome her. Her presence at the hearing honored every young girl and woman ever victimized by Japan's Imperial Armed Forces.

While I strongly urge the Government of Japan to formally acknowledge and apologize in order to begin the reconciliation process, I bear no animosity or ill-will towards the people of Japan. If given the choice, I believe the people of Japan would also call for its government to apologize for the atrocities its Imperial Armed Forces committed against innocent young girls and women. But, regrettably, the Government of Japan chooses to whitewash its history. However, sooner or later, truth will prevail. Until it does, I will continue to do everything I can to bring increasing awareness to this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia for his leadership in negotiating the release of the remains of the victims killed in the downing of flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine.

Prime Minister Najib held a series of secret talks with the separatists to broker an agreement for the return of the bodies and the promise of safe passage for recovery teams going to the crash site. He also secured the return of the black boxes of flight MH17 so that a full investigation may ensue.

Prime Minister Najib's personal involvement in the negotiations sets the standard for diplomacy around the world. I commend Prime Minister Najib for not leaving negotiations to aides.

Some matters in life are sacred, and I am pleased that Prime Minister Najib recognized this situation as such. I thank him for setting aside politics for a higher purpose--to return the bodies of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters to the families who lost and loved them. I praise him for doing what others would not or could not.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy. After a full and fair investigation, I am hopeful that those responsible will be held accountable.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, or S.P. Mandali, for their vision and contribution to the Indian state of Maharashtra. S.P. Mandali, a historic education society in India, was established 125 years ago on May 2, 1888.

S.P. Mandali has made significant contributions in developing and improving the quality of education in Maharashtra by founding and managing more than 40 institutions in Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Solapur, Chiplun, Nagothana, and other municipalities that provide education from kindergarten to graduate level courses.

I am grateful for the leadership of the S.P. Mandali: President--Shri Bal J. Pandit, Vice President--Shri. Sushilkumar Ruia, Chairman (Managing Council)--Shri. A.S. Dadhe, Vice Chairman (Managing Council)--Shri. A.N. Mate, and Secretary--Shrimati Nanda Mane, for their hard work and commitment to education.

I want to take this opportunity to specifically recognize the Naralkar Institute of Career Development and Research (NICDR) that was started by S.P. Mandali in 1986. The NICDR was established and named in honor of the late Principal Nanasaheb Naralkar who was a great educator in Pune. The NICDR is affiliated with the University of Pune and is recognized as a research center for the Ph.D. program in Management Science. NICDR in the last twenty years has created many partnerships with different businesses and industries in the Pune region. NICDR offers many computer and vocational courses that use state of the art equipment for hands-on-training that include software and computer programming. NICDR's high standard of curriculum and meticulous trainings sets them apart from the many other institutions in Pune.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Director of NICDR, Dr. G.K. Shirude, his staff, and faculty for their tremendous contributions in improving the quality of education and empowering students in becoming competent managers in many fields. I would be remiss if I did not also recognize members of the Managing Committee of NICDR: Chairman--Shri. A.S. Dadhe, Members--Adv. Jayant Shaligram, Shri. A.N. Mate, Shri. Ajay Datar, Shri. V.V. Joshi, Prof. Seema Bapat, and Mrs. Jyoti S. Joshi.

Dr. Shirude and the Managing Committee of NICDR have embarked on a pathway to possibly establish community colleges in Maharashtra. In the U.S., we have had community colleges for more than 100 years and have been a critical component in our education system. However, in India, this concept is brand new. The establishment of community colleges in India will provide greater access to education for the large population of Indians

who live in rural and remote locations. It will also allow for many individuals to receive specialized training in fields that are necessary or required by local industries and businesses.

This pathway will be possible with the assistance of many stakeholders, including Captain Shivaji Mahadkar and Mr. Sanjay Puri. Captain Shivaji, a retired commando of the Indian army, a former General Secretary for the Sinik Cell of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, and an active trustee for many educational trusts in Maharashtra, has worked closely with Indian universities in building partnerships with other institutions in Germany, United Kingdom, and the U.S. I thank him for his service and dedication to improving the quality of education in India. His collaboration with Mr. Sanjay Puri, founder and Chairman of the Alliance for U.S.-India Business, will be instrumental in advancing education in India. I know that this venture in education between U.S. and India will be beneficial for both sides.