Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my dear sister and her loving husband on their 44th wedding anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Taofi and Masinaatoa Magalei were married on June 27, 1970, and were later sealed in the Laie Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for time and all eternity.

Taofi and Masinaatoa Magalei are the proud parents of four children-- Michele, Taofi Jr., Kristal, and Nainoa. They are also blessed with six beautiful grandchildren--Sanaa Filiaga, Tyler Magalei, Ariana Magalei, Michele Magalei, Eternity Filiaga, and Tre Magalei--and they expect more grandchildren to come.

Mr. Taofi Magalei, Sr. is now retired after working for more than 40 years with combined service at Continental Airlines, BYU-Hawaii, and the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. Mrs. Masinaatoa Magalei is also now retired after working 23 years as a school teacher, counselor, and Vice Principal.

As they celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary, I wish my sister and her husband endless years of wedded bliss. I thank them for their love and support for all these years, and I convey my love to them and their family on this very special occasion. I pray that the Lord continues to bless them and their family forevermore.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend my good friend, the Honorable Tony A. deBrum, who has served the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) with distinction and honor as Senator, Minister in Assistance to the President (Vice-President), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Health and Environment, and in other notable capacities.

Senator Tony deBrum was born in 1945 and grew up on Likiep atoll at the height of the U.S. nuclear testing program in the RMI. From 1946- 1958, the U.S. exploded 67 nuclear bombs in the Marshall Islands and, in 1954, detonated the Bravo shot on Bikini atoll. Acknowledged as the greatest nuclear explosion ever detonated, the Bravo shot vaporized 6 islands and created a mushroom cloud 25 miles in diameter.

In his own words, the Honorable Tony deBrum, states:

I am a nuclear witness and my memories from Likiep atoll in

the northern Marshalls are strong. I lived there as a young

boy for the entire 12 years of the nuclear testing program,

and when I was 9 years old, I remember vividly the white

flash of the Bravo detonation on Bikini atoll, 6 decades ago

in 1954, and one thousand times more powerful than

Hiroshima--an event that truly shocked the international

community into action.

It was in the morning, and my grandfather and I were out

fishing. He was throwing net and I was carrying a basket

behind him when Bravo went off. Unlike previous ones, Bravo

went off with a very bright flash, almost a blinding flash;

bear in mind we are almost 200 miles away from ground zero.

No sound, just a flash and then a force, the shock wave. I

like to describe it as if you are under a glass bowl and

someone poured blood over it. Everything turned red: sky, the

ocean, the fish, and my grandfather's net.

People in Rongelap nowadays claim they saw the sun rising

from the West. I saw the sun rising from the middle of the

sky, I mean I don't even know what direction it came from but

it just covered it, it was really scary. We lived in thatch

houses at that time, my grandfather and I had our own thatch

house and every gecko and animal that lived in the thatch

fell dead not more than a couple of days after. The military

came in, sent boats ashore to run us through Geiger counters

and other stuff; everybody in the village was required to go

through that.

Shaped by what he witnessed, Tony deBrum determined to become an activist.

I think that's the point that my brain was taught that. I

did not consciously say at the time, I am going to now be a

crusader. Just a few weeks after that, my grandfather and I

went to Kwajalein, where they had evacuated the people of

Rongelap, where they were staying in big large green tents

being treated for their nuclear burns and exposure. All the

while, incidentally, the United States government was

announcing that everything was OK, that there was nothing to

be worried about.

Unconvinced, Tony deBrum not only became one of the first Marshall Islanders to graduate from college but he worked for 17 years to negotiate his country's independence from the United States. As an eyewitness to nuclear explosions, he also became one of the world's leading advocates for nuclear disarmament calling upon the parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and pursue the peace and security of a world without them. In 2012, Tony deBrum was awarded the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation's Distinguished Peace Leadership Award. Previous recipients include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, King Hussein of Jordan, and Jacques Cousteau.

In April 2014, the Republic of the Marshall Islands filed the Nuclear Zero Lawsuits--unprecedented lawsuits against all nine countries that possess nuclear weapons for their failure to negotiate in good faith for nuclear disarmament as required by the NPT. The landmark cases signed by RMI Foreign Minister Tony deBrum are now pending before the International Court of Justice in The Hague and the U.S. Federal District Court in San Francisco. As a Pacific Islander and as the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, I applaud the RMI and especially Tony deBrum for taking a stand against the nuclear weapon giants. ``No nation should ever suffer as we have,'' Foreign Minister Tony deBrum has stated, and I agree.

I also agree that we should spur greater commitments in international climate change negotiations, and I commend Foreign Minister Tony deBrum for galvanizing more urgent and concrete action on climate change. As an architect of the Majuro Declaration for Climate Leadership, Foreign Minister Tony deBrum has been unrelenting in vocalizing his concerns. In 2013, he addressed the United Nations Security Council on the threat posed by climate change to the long-term viability and survival of the Marshall Islands. During climate talks at the United Nations, he stated that ``we are not just trying to save our islands, we are trying to save the entire world.''

I declare my sincere and heartfelt commitment to a nuclear-free world and a world committed to putting climate at the top of its diplomatic agenda. In so doing, I honor Tony deBrum as a leader, activist, friend and brother by placing his name and work in the Congressional Record for historical purposes.

Mr. Speaker, on April 26, 2014, President Barack Obama arrived in Malaysia--the first American President to visit since 1966. President Obama's visit to Malaysia is indicative of Prime Minister Najib Razak's leadership in building a nation which has become a pivotal player globally and regionally.

Malaysia's growing contributions to security and prosperity cannot be underestimated, and I am pleased that the United States and Malaysia have formalized a comprehensive partnership to include trade, defense and maritime cooperation.

With Malaysia set to chair ASEAN in 2015, the nation is set to propel itself further in the region. Malaysia has a good human rights record and a stable government and, given that ASEAN member countries are looking forward to Malaysia assuming the chair, Malaysia will be in a strong position to bring multilateral parties together to address very serious issues, including South China Sea disputes.

As a major U.S. trading partner, Malaysia is one of 12 nations negotiating the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), a potential trade agreement that is a high priority for the U.S. and Asia. Malaysia is a strong partner for U.S. security and economic initiatives. Malaysia works closely with the United States on counter-terrorism, participated in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan, and also supports United Nations' peacekeeping missions, many of which are led by America. Malaysia is also a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society, a member of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, and an advocate of moderation.

I am pleased to associate myself with Malaysia, and I am proud to welcome Malaysia's new Ambassador to the United States. Prime Minister Najib personally appointed Ambassador Awang Adek Hussin ahead of President Obama's visit to Malaysia to bolster the U.S.-Malaysia partnership. Progress stalled between the two nations in the absence of a Malaysian ambassador to the United States since August 2013, and particularly when former Ambassador Jamaluddin Jarjis completed his term. With the presence of Ambassador Awang to fill the void left by Ambassador Jamaluddin Jarjis, I have every confidence relations will improve significantly.

Ambassador Awang Adek Hussin holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. He has served as Deputy Finance Minister, Senator, Assistant Governor, and in other notable positions. His first son was born in the United States. He is married to Madam Latifah Mohd Yusof and they have five children--Abd Aziz, Norjasara, Ahmad Azran, Nur Ain and Nur Nadira--and one grandchild, Lora. Lora accompanied her grandparents for the Ambassador Credentialing Ceremony on May 21, 2014 in the Oval Office where President Obama received the credentials from His Excellency Awang Adek bin Hussin. Three-year old Lora won the hearts of those in attendance with an impromptu dance and a playful back-and-forth exchange with President Obama in which she exclaimed ``you rock'' while the President kept saying ``no, you rock.''

Without a doubt, Ambassador Awang will carry forward the work of Prime Minister Najib and President Obama in pushing for greater economic and business ties with the United States, and I look forward to working closely with him as he does so. Once more, I welcome Ambassador Awang to the United States, and I commend Prime Minister Najib for his leadership in bringing about growth, development, investment--and a visit from the President of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1679, as amended, a bill to amend the Expedited Funds Availability Act to clarify the application of that act to American Samoa and to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Mr. Speaker, this has been a bipartisan effort, and I want to thank Chairman Jeb Hensarling and Ranking Member Maxine Waters of the Committee on Financial Services for bringing this legislation on the floor today. I also want to thank my good friend, Congressman Kilili Sablan, for his support of this bill. And I would be remiss if I did not also express my appreciation to the subcommittee chairman of our Financial Services Committee, Congresswoman Shelley Capito, and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks for their efforts in supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation is important because it will not only improve the current banking system in both territories, but it will also allow our constituents quicker access to their funds.

I introduced this legislation last year because one of our only two banks in the territory was scheduled to close all of its branches for good. In working together with Governor Lolo and many stakeholders in delaying the bank's departure, we learned that there was a systematic delay in access to funds for bank customers in American Samoa.

H.R. 1679 will fix this delay and will put American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in line with the schedule of availability of funds that are already required of banks in all States and other territories under regulation CC.

Under regulation CC, banks in the U.S. mainland and certain territories are required to make funds available for consumer use for in-State checks no later than the second business day after the check is deposited. Out-of-State checks can be held up to 5 business days before funds can be released. Banks in Hawaii, Alaska, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico may, at their discretion, hold out-of-State checks for an extra day.

This is not the same for American Samoa. Checks can be held for an intermittent and undetermined amount of time, even up to 21 days, before funds are available for the consumer to have access. This is unfair for my constituents and has a direct and indirect impact on our local economy.

For the record, I do not hold the banks at fault, but given the trend of electronic banking and quicker access to mailing services, I feel that they are able to provide quicker and better services for their customers.

Again, I thank Chairman Hensarling, Ranking Member Waters, and their staff for their work on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest appreciation to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for officially recognizing the Interim Representative Committee of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vietnam, of which I am a member. I thank the Politburo, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, President Truong Tan Sang, the Fatherland Front, the National Assembly, Foreign Ministry, Public Security, and any and all government agencies, especially the Committee on Religious Affairs, for sparing no effort to bring this day about.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the efforts and leadership of Chairman Pham Dung, Vice Chair Bui Thanh Ha, retired Vice Chair Nguyen Thanh Xuan, as well as Director Hoang Thi Thao, and the entire staff of the Committee on Religious Affairs.

I am grateful to H.E. President Nguyen Sinh Hung, Vice President Madam Tong Thi Phong, Vice President Madam Nguyen Thi Doan of the National Assembly, as well as Vice Chairman Ha Huy Thong of the Foreign Committee and all other Members of the National Assembly.

I thank Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh as well as any and all associated with the Foreign Ministry.

I also express my deepest appreciation to Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Dr. Luan Thuy Duong, and Mr. An Nguyen at the Embassy of Vietnam in the United States for their tireless efforts.

I also thank officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, the Asia Area Presidency, as well as local leaders in Vietnam. In particular, I thank members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vietnam and abroad.

I thank all those who have participated in this marvelous work and glory--those named in addition to all those who have added their efforts and prayers to ours, including those who have gone before us.

May 30, 2014, the official day of recognition, is a special occasion, a sacred occasion. Vietnam is a multi-religious society with approximately 25,000 places of worship and about 24 million followers of various faiths. In my official capacity as former Chairman and current Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, I have attended religious services in diverse houses of worship in Vietnam, and did so unannounced. Always, I found Vietnam to be a place favorable for religious activities and I thank Vietnam for encouraging and protecting the rights of individuals, families, and congregations to practice their religions and contribute as good parents and good citizens under the law.

I am very proud of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the work it does to protect activities of religious groups, including those of my faith. I consider the followers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vietnam my brothers and sisters. I feel the same about the leaders and officials of Vietnam. With mutual understanding, respect and trust, we have walked together to this day of recognition. We have walked together with faith in every footstep. And, as we journey forward, I am confident we will do so side by side.

When President Brigham Young led the followers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints into the Salt Lake valley in 1847, he declared: ``This is the right place. Drive on.'' To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to government and party officials in Vietnam, to friends and family, I echo Brigham Young's words. Drive on knowing that May 30, 2014 will forevermore be one of the best days of my life, and I am sure many others will always cherish this day, too.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest appreciation to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for officially recognizing the Interim Representative Committee of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vietnam, of which I am a member. I thank the Politburo, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, President Truong Tan Sang, the Fatherland Front, the National Assembly, Foreign Ministry, Public Security, and any and all government agencies, especially the Committee on Religious Affairs, for sparing no effort to bring this day about.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the efforts and leadership of Chairman Pham Dung, Vice Chair Bui Thanh Ha, retired Vice Chair Nguyen Thanh Xuan, as well as Director Hoang Thi Thao, and the entire staff of the Committee on Religious Affairs.

I am grateful to H.E. President Nguyen Sinh Hung, Vice President Madam Tong Thi Phong, Vice President Madam Nguyen Thi Doan of the National Assembly, as well as Vice Chairman Ha Huy Thong of the Foreign Committee and all other Members of the National Assembly.

I thank Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh as well as any and all associated with the Foreign Ministry.

I also express my deepest appreciation to Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Dr. Luan Thuy Duong, and Mr. An Nguyen at the Embassy of Vietnam in the United States for their tireless efforts.

Mr. Speaker, last year, nine Members of this House and I sent a letter to the National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell, to the Washington, D.C., franchise owner, Dan Snyder, and to the owners of the other 31 National Football League franchises urging an end to the use of the term ``redskins'' as an NFL franchise name because it is derogatory, it is demeaning, and patently offensive to Native American Indians. While Mr. Snyder did not respond, Mr. Goodell did so in a dismissive manner, calling this racial slur ``a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride, and respect.''

Mr. Speaker, give me a break.

Last week, 50 Senators joined our effort and also sent a letter to the NFL. Mr. Goodell did not respond, but Bruce Allen of the Washington franchise did respond in a dismissive manner, stating that ``redskins'' is not a derogatory word and claiming that it actually honors Native Americans.

Mr. Speaker, shame on Mr. Allen, shame on Mr. Goodell, and shame on Mr. Snyder for suggesting that ``redskins'' is a name of honor when, according to Native Americans, it is ``the worst thing in the English language you can be called if you are a Native person.''

Mr. Snyder, Mr. Goodell, and Mr. Allen have escaped the public lashing that Don Sterling received just weeks ago for his racist remarks on African Americans who play basketball. I believe if the American public knew the history of this derogatory term, they would call on Dan Snyder to change the name or get out of the League.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my colleagues the painful and violent past associated with this despicable term. For many of our Native Americans, the word ``redskins'' is reminiscent of a time when the colonial government engaged in the practice of trading Indian scalps or skins and body parts for bounties.

In 1749, the British bounty was ``10 guineas for every Indian taken or killed.'' In 1755, the lieutenant governor of the Massachusetts Bay Province issued a proclamation calling for the extermination of the Penobscot Indian Nation. The bounty for a male Indian above the age of 12 was 50 pounds,

and his scalp was worth 40 pounds. The bounty for a female Indian of any age and for males under the age of 12 was 25 pounds, while their scalps were worth 20 pounds. In 1863, the reward in Minnesota was $200 ``for every redskin sent to purgatory.''

Mr. Speaker, I submit that today, Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Indian Nation declared that the word ``redskins'' is ``not just a racial slur or a derogatory term,'' but a painful ``reminder of one of the most gruesome acts of ethnic cleansing ever committed against'' his people. The hunting and killing of Native American Indians, as stated by Chief Francis, was ``a most despicable and disgraceful act of genocide.'' This photo depicts what genocide looks like, Mr. Speaker, and I want to share this photo with my colleagues.

So, while scalping is a matter of historical debate, Mr. Snyder's response to this disgraceful act is indicative of the racist history behind the Washington franchise's name. Its founder, George Preston Marshall, is identified by historians as the driving force behind the color barrier that existed for 12 years in the National Football League, a sad commentary or chapter from 1934 to 1945, when African Americans were banned from the National Football League by a so-called ``gentleman's agreement.'' For years, Mr. Marshall marketed the Washington, D.C., franchise to appeal to the segregated South. The band played ``Dixie,'' the Confederate flag flew, and after the NFL's color line was crossed in 1946, the Washington, D.C., franchise was the last team to field an African American player--and not until 1962.

I might add, Mr. Speaker, that the Washington team did not welcome African American players with open arms. Oh, no. Then-Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall and Attorney General Robert Kennedy presented the Washington franchise with an ultimatum: unless Marshall signed an African American player, the government would revoke his franchise's 30-year lease on the use of the D.C. stadium.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot simply continue these hateful traditions that mock, belittle, disparage, and disgrace those of a different race because of the color of their skin. The National Basketball Association recently reacted swiftly to Mr. Don Sterling's racist remarks. Why is the National Football League so hesitant? Why is Mr. Snyder so slow to do the right thing when some 6 million of his own people's skins were used for lampshades by the Nazi Germans during World War II? Shame on Mr. Snyder for perpetuating this racism and bigotry. He should know better and do better.

Mr. Speaker, as a Vietnam veteran, I rise today to offer my strong support for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, General Eric Shinseki.

Since taking over the VA, General Shinseki has made veterans a top priority, enrolling over 2 million new veterans from our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and reducing veteran homelessness by about 24 percent.

With new reports of coverups at VA facilities, the Secretary has also called for an independent review and nationwide audit, giving his word that he will do all he can to fix a system that was broken long before he took over.

So let us stand together to do right by our veterans. General Shinseki is right for America's veterans. He is a tried and proven leader, the highest ranked Asian Pacific American in the history of the United States, who told our Nation the truth about Iraq when no one would listen. He will now tell us the truth about the VA. And once the independent review and audit is completed, he will hold accountable any and all who have done our veterans wrong.

I say this to Secretary Shinseki: Do not resign. We are with you. Go for broke. And let's clean up this mess that had been there way before you took over.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate India's next Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his resounding and historic victory. The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory on May 16, 2014 is the first time after Independence that a non-Congress party has got absolute majority on its own, and Narendra Modi is the reason why.

His victory is India's victory and, while history will remember India's 2014 elections as unprecedented, I will remember the 2014 elections as a triumph. The people of India have triumphed, and I join with them in this momentous celebration of new development for all.

As a token of friendship and in commemoration of the fulfillment of his destiny to lift up the masses, assure social justice, and bring new hope for any and all who, like him, step forward and transform challenges into opportunities by sheer strength of character and courage, a flag was flown over the United States Capitol at my request in honor of him on April 7, 2014, to mark victory's dawn.

I pay tribute to Shri Modi for his clarion call for change, to save a nation from ruin. I applaud his leadership and recognize his victory-- the people's victory--in the Congressional Record. A statement in the Congressional Record becomes part of U.S. history and I firmly believe Shri Narendra Modi should be included not only in the annals of India's history but U.S. history, too, because he was elected with a resounding victory despite the United States using every recourse it could to disrupt his destiny.

The U.S.-India partnership should be, could be, one of the most defining of the 21st century. But, I am disappointed that the United States failed to develop a strong friendship and comprehensive partnership with Shri Narendra Modi when it mattered most. U.S.-India relations matter strategically, politically, and economically. And even if they didn't matter, the United States should be a fair and honest broker about human rights. Regrettably, in the case of India, the United States missed the mark by responding one way to the 2002 Gujarat riots, another way to the Godhra train burning which led up to the riots, and still another way to the largest ethnic cleansing since the partition of India in which between 300,000 to 500,000 Kashmiri Hindus since 1990 have migrated due to persecution.

Nonetheless, despite the United States getting it wrong with India, Shri Narendra Modi is looking ahead. He is dedicated. He is determined. He is dynamic. He is different. He is the leader of the world's largest democracy. And he is the key player for improved relations between the U.S. and India. As Shri Narendra Modi assumes his mantle as India's next Prime Minister, I have every confidence he will cut across caste, creed and religion and bring alive the dreams of over a billion Indians, and a world that needs his leadership.

As he promised, ``Good days are coming.'' And so, they are. I have personally met with Shri Modi as far back as 2010 and I know him to be a sincere man who stands against corruption and for inclusive growth and development. Shri Modi is a man of vision and he, together with each and every citizen of India, will create something special--an India that will assume its destined role.

Without a doubt, Prime Minister Modi will usher in India's new era. He will make the 21st century India's century. This is his destiny. And so, once more, I congratulate Shri Narendra Modi on his path-breaking campaign, and I praise BJP Party President Rajnath Singh for working shoulder-to-shoulder with Shri Modi to ensure that the spirit of democracy has triumphed. I also commend Mr. Sanjay Puri, Founder and President of USINPAC, for championing the cause and work of Shri Narendra Modi early on in the U.S. Congress when India's next Prime Minister was Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Above all, I praise Prime Minister Modi's parents who gave rise to him, especially his mother whose blessings he sought. From his beginnings as a son of a tea seller to a landslide and ground-breaking victor, I wish Shri Modi godspeed on his poetic journey forward as India's next Prime Minister.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate India's next Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his resounding and historic victory. The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory on May 16, 2014 is the first time after Independence that a non-Congress party has got absolute majority on its own, and Narendra Modi is the reason why.

His victory is India's victory and, while history will remember India's 2014 elections as unprecedented, I will remember the 2014 elections as a triumph. The people of India have triumphed, and I join with them in this momentous celebration of new development for all.

As a token of friendship and in commemoration of the fulfillment of his destiny to lift up the masses, assure social justice, and bring new hope for any and all who, like him, step forward and transform challenges into opportunities by sheer strength of character and courage, a flag was flown over the United States Capitol at my request in honor of him on April 7, 2014, to mark victory's dawn. I pay tribute to Shri Modi for his clarion call for change, to save a nation from ruin. I applaud his leadership and recognize his victory--the people's victory--in the Congressional Record. A statement in the Congressional Record becomes part of U.S. history and I firmly believe Shri Narendra Modi should be included not only in the annals of India's history but U.S. history, too, because he was elected with a resounding victory despite the United States using every recourse it could to disrupt his destiny.

The U.S.-India partnership should be, could be, one of the most defining of the 21st century. But, I am disappointed that the United States failed to develop a strong friendship and comprehensive partnership with Shri Narendra Modi when it mattered most. U.S.-India relations matter strategically, politically, and economically. And even if they didn't matter, the United States should be a fair and honest broker about human rights. Regrettably, in the case of India, the United States missed the mark by responding one way to the 2002 Gujarat riots, another way to the Godhra train burning which led up to the riots, and still another way to the largest ethnic cleansing since the partition of India in which between 300,000 to 500,000 Kashmiri Hindus since 1990 have migrated due to persecution.

Mr. Speaker, as Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, which has broad jurisdiction for U.S. policy affecting the region, including Vietnam and China, I rise today to strongly condemn China for violating Vietnam's sovereignty in the South China Sea and to call upon the U.S. to issue a clear and decisive statement of response.

On May 2, 2014, China anchored HD981 rig in Vietnamese waters and deployed dozens of naval vessels to support its provocative actions. On May 3 and May 5, China issued notices banning all vessels from entering the area and stating that HD981 rig will conduct exploratory drilling. HD981 is anchored totally within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf of Vietnam, about 120 nautical miles from Ly Son island of Vietnam.

I thank U.S. Senator John McCain for his leadership in unequivocally stating that China's territorial claims to the waters have no basis in international law. Simply put, China's provocative actions are an escalation of its intent to threaten peace and maritime security in the East Sea.

Since 2009, China has escalated its claims of the ``nine-dash line'', cut the ship cables of the ``Binh Minh II'' and ``Viking II (May and June 2011), established ``Sansha City'' (June 2012), implemented ``measures to enforce `Fishery Law of the People's Republic of China' (entering into force since January 2014), enhanced oil explorations in disputed areas, attacked Vietnamese fishing vessels, launched patrol boats, and conducted military exercises in the South China Sea to flex its power and deter other claimants.

All the while the U.S. response has been negligible, although the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific has held hearings on the matter and several Members, including myself, have introduced Resolutions to promote a peaceful and collaborative resolution to any and all disputes in the South China Sea.

I am especially disappointed by the State Department's weak response to China's recent aggression. U.S. Department of State spokeswoman Jen Psaki stated, ``Vietnam has declared a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone based on its coast line in accordance with the law of the sea. Then we call on China because China has a different view on that. That's why we continue to call on both sides not to take provocative or unilateral actions given this is occurring in disputed waters near those islands and these events, of course, point to the need for claimants to clarify, their claims in accordance with international law and reach agreement of what types of activities should be permissible within disputed areas such as these waters.''

I call upon the State Department to issue a more clear, definitive, and concise statement than this. Once more, as Senator McCain stated, China's claims have no basis in international law, and the U.S. State Department should not shirk from saying so. I join with Senator McCain in calling upon China's leaders to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions, and I call upon the U.S. to lead the way. For historical purposes, I have submitted this statement with supporting documentation so that there is no dispute about the facts or about where I stand.

[As of May 5, 2014]

Factsheet on Operations of China's HD-981 Oil Rig in Vietnam's Waters

On May 2, 2014, Vietnamese authorities announce that at

5:22 am on May 1, 2014, the drilling rig HD-981 and 3 oil

service vessels of China were spotted as going south from the

northwest of Tri Ton island which belongs to Vietnam's Hoang

Sa Archipelago (Paracels). At 4:00 pm May 2, 2014, the

drilling rig RD-981 was set afloat at the location of

15 deg.29'58" North latitude and 111 deg.12'06" East

longitude of Tri Ton island with 27 protecting ships. This

location is about 130 nautical miles off Vietnam's coast and

119 nautical miles off Vietnam's Ly Son island. To date, the

number of Chinese vessels has gone up to more than 50. The

location of the rig lies well within the oil block No. 143 of

Vietnam, undeniably within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone

and continental shelf.

2. In the last few days, Vietnam has continuously

communicated with China expressing its serious concerns.

Vietnam has reiterated and stressed that ``the location that

the Chinese drilling rig HD-981 and protecting vessels

operate is undeniably within Vietnam's exclusive economic

zone and continental shelf; the operations of this drilling

rig and protecting vessels have seriously violated Vietnam's

sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national jurisdiction as

stipulated by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law

of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct

of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), other related

agreements between the two countries' leaders, and Vietnam-

China basic principles on settlement of sea issues. Vietnam

asks China to immediately withdraw the drilling rig and

protecting vessels out of Vietnam's waters''.

Viet Nam has sufficient historical evidence, legal basis,

and de facto administration over Hoang Sa to assert its

sovereign rights and national jurisdiction over its exclusive

economic zone and continental shelf in accordance with the

1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Vietnam

requests that China respect Vietnam's exercise of sovereignty

over Hoang Sa, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its

exclusive economic zone; and concurrently proposes to China

to settle the disputes over Hoang Sa and other disputes

related to Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights and

jurisdiction through negotiations and other peaceful means in

accordance with international law, including the United

Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law

of the Sea.

Vietnam totally rejects and resolutely protests China's

arguments that the ``operation of drilling rig HD-981 is an

ordinary activity south of Zhongjian island (Tri Ton) of

Xisha (Hoang Sa) islands'', and has nothing to do with

Vietnam's continental shelf and exclusive economic zone; this

is ``an area of the

territorial sea and contiguous zone of the Xisha islands

(Vietnam's Hoang Sa) and that on-going operation is conducted

on a usual basis at a location administered by China without

any dispute''; and that China would not accept Vietnam's

request of negotiation over Hoang Sa.

3. The fact that China disregards Vietnam's communication

requesting the withdrawal of the drilling rig and oil service

vessels out of Block No. 143 is obviously an act on purpose

and an intentional and serious violation of Vietnam's

sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over Hoang

Sa, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf; serious

violation of the accords reached between two countries'

leaders, the spirit and content of the DOC, related

principles the international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

The Chinese activities have tremendously affected the

political trust between the two countries, adversely impacted

the bilateral negotiations over sea issues, and damaged the

sentiments and feelings of the peoples of Vietnam and China.

4. The Government of Vietnam respectfully asks all

Governments in the world to voice condemnation of those

wrongful acts by China; demand China to recall its drilling

rig HD-981 out of Vietnam's waters and respect the rights and

interests and coastal nations in accordance with the 1982

UNCLOS, fully and seriously observe the spirit of the

Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea

(DOC), ensure the security and safety in the East Sea (Bien

Dong); and call upon China to soon settle disputes with

Vietnam through peaceful negotiations, thereby contributing

to peace and stability in the region.

[As of May 7, 2014]

Fact Sheet No. 2 on China's Latest Illegal Activities in Vietnam's EEZ

1. China's provocative behavior:

To date, the number of China's supporting ships moving

toward the drilling platform has increased to more than 80,

including 7 military ships, 33 marine patrol boats and

surveillance ships, and many other vessels.

2. China's use of force:

Videos and pictures show Chinese ships, backed by

helicopters, aggressively obstructing Vietnamese ships.

The Chinese ships also sprayed water cannons, damaging

Vietnamese vessels and injuring their crew members.

At around 8:10 a.m. on May 3, a Chinese ship struck the

right side of a Vietnamese Marine Police vessel at high

speed, smashing the windows of the Vietnamese vessel that was

attempting to take evasive maneuvers.

A total of eight Vietnamese ships were rammed, hit, or

sprayed with high pressure hoses.

At one point, five Chinese ships surrounded a single

Vietnamese vessel.

3. China's impingement on freedom of navigation:

The Maritime Safety Administration of China (MSAC)

announced on its website on Saturday that all vessels should

keep one mile (1.6 km) away from the rig, called the Haiyang

Shiyou 981.

Despite Vietnam's objections, MSAC on Monday expanded the

prohibited area around the rig to a three-mile (4.8 km)

radius.

On the ground, China uses force to drive away Vietnamese

ships.

The location is right on vital international sea lanes.

Consequently, China's acts are threatening maritime security

and safety in the region.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Governor Lolo Moliga and the people of American Samoa, for next week we will be celebrating 114 years for the commemoration of the raising of the American flag on April 17, 1900.

Madam Speaker, it was at this historic occasion when our Samoan traditional leaders had the foresight to sign the Treaty of Cession with the representatives of the United States. Our bond and relation as part of the ``American family'' today is stronger than ever.

As we celebrate this year, we must reflect on the sacrifices that were made by our sons and daughters, past and present, who served honorably and valiantly in our Nation's military forces. Our Samoan sons and daughters have been an important part of our military forces, both here and throughout the world.

(English translation of the statement made in Samoan is as follows.)

May the relationship between the United States and the islands of Tutuila and Manu'a continue to prosper. Farewell.

IIa sao ma uli le alo faiva le faigamalo a Tutuila ma Manua ma le Malo Tele o Amerika. Soifua.

Treaty of Cession

Chief of Tutuila

to

United States Government

April 17, 1900

Translation in the English language:

To all to whom these presents shall come: Greeting.

Whereas the Governments of Germany, Great Britain, and of

the United States of America have on divers occasions

recognized the sovereignty of the government and people of

Samoa and the Samoan group of islands as an independent

State; and whereas owing to dissensions, internal

disturbances and civil war, the said governments have deemed

it necessary to assume the control of the legislation and

administration of said state of Samoa; and whereas the said

governments have on the sixteenth day of February, by mutual

agreement, determined to partition said State; and whereas

the islands hereinafter described being part of the said

State have by said arrangements amongst the said governments,

been severed from the parent State, and the Governments of

Great Britain and of Germany have withdrawn all rights

hitherto acquired, claimed or possessed by both or either of

them by treaty or otherwise, to the said islands in favor of

the government of the United States of America;

And whereas for the promotion of the peace and welfare of

the people of said islands, for the establishment of a good

and sound government, and for the preservation of the rights

and property of the inhabitants of said islands, the Chiefs,

rulers and people thereof are desirous of granting unto the

said government of the United States full powers and

authority to enact proper legislation for and to control the

said islands, and are further desirous or removing all

disabilities that may be existing in connection therewith and

to ratini and to confirm the grant of the rule of said

islands heretofore granted on the 2nd day of April, 1990.

Now know Ye.-

1. That we, the Chiefs whose names are hereunder subscribed

by virtue of our office as the hereditaty representatives of

the people of said islands, in consideration of the premises

hereinbefore recited and for divers good considerations us

hereunto moving, have ceded, transferred, and yielded up unto

Commander B.F. Tilley of the US. ``Abarenda,'' the duly

accredited representative of the Government of the United

States of America, in the islands hereinafter mentioned or

described for and on behalf of the said government. All these

the islands of Tutuila and Aunu'u and all other islands,

rocks, reefs, foreshores and waters lying between the 13th

degree and the 15th degree of south latitude and between the

171st degree and 167th degree of west longitude from the

meridian of Greenwich, together with all sovereign rights

thereunto belonging and possessed by us, to hold the said

ceded territory unto the Government of the United States of

America; to erect the same into a separate District to be

annexed to the said Government, to be known and designated as

the District of ``Tutuila''.

2. The Government of the United States of America shall

respect and protect the individual rights of all people

dwelling in Tutuila to their lands and other property in said

district; but if the said Government shall require any land

or any other thing for Government uses, the government may

take the same upon payment of a fair consideration for the

land, or other thing, to those whom may be deprived of their

property on account of the desire of the Government.

3. The Chiefs of the towns will be entitled to retain their

individual control of the separate towns, if that control is

in accordance with the laws of the United States of America

concerning Tutuila, and if not obstructive to the peace of

the people and the advancement of civilization of the people,

subject also to the supervision and instruction of the said

Government. But the enactment of legislation and the general

control shall remain firm with the United States of America.

4. An investigation and settlement of all claims to title

to lands in the different divisions or districts of Tutuila

shall be made by the Government.

5. We, whose names are subscribed below, do hereby declare

with truth for ourselves, our heirs and representatives by

Samoan Custom, that we will obey and owe allegiance to the

Government of the United States of America. In witness

whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed our

seals on this 17th day of April, 1900 A.D.

Fofo and Aitulagi

Tuitele of Leone, Faiivae of Leone, Letuli of Iiiiii,

Fuimaono of Aoloau, Satele of Vailoa, Leoso of Leone, Olo of

Leone, Namoa of Aitulagi, Malota of Aitulagi, Tuana'itau of

Pava'ia'i, Lualemaga of Aasu, Amituana'i of Ituau.

Sua and Vatfanua

Pele, Mauga, Leiato, Faumuina, Masaniai, Tupuola, Soliai,

Mauga.

The foregoing instrument of Cession (pages 1, 2 and 3) was

duly signed by Leoso in the presence of, and at the request

of, the Chiefs and Representatives of the Division of Fofo

and Aitulagi, and by Pele in the presence of, and at the

request of, the Chiefs and Representatives of Sua and

Vaifanua in Tutuila in conformity with Samoan customs as to

signatures to documents, in my presence at Pago Pago on the

17th day of April, 1900 A.D. immediately prior to the Raising

of the United States Flag at the United States Naval Station,

Tutuila.

/s/E.W. Gurr

Barrister of the Supreme Court of Samoa.

Acceptance of Cessions

The Judge Advocate General of the Navy in 1921, referring

to the above cessions, said: ``These cessions were accepted

by the President of the United States, and full information

with respect thereto was communicated to Congress and the

action of the Chief Executive relative thereto adopted and

approved in a number of separate statutory enactments.''

(File 3931-1429.36, Dec. 23, 1921, LRNA, Supp. 25.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society (AISSMS) established in 1917 by the late His Highness Shrimant Chattrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur and His Highness Alija Bahadur Madhavrao Scindia Maharaj of Gwalior, with the foundation stone laid by the Prince of Wales on November 19, 1921 in Pune, India.

AISSMS was established for the purpose of ``throwing open to all alike the doors of knowledge through liberal education.'' It was established to memorialize the great Shivaji, a statesman and warrior, a bold reformer who not only founded an Empire, but created a Nation, based on a vision of ideals and dreams which AISSMS is realizing.

From a renowned military school to Day schools to Junior Colleges to a foray into higher and technical education, AISSMS now runs world class institutions in various disciplines. AISSMS institutions have obtained accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation and have signed MOU's with Universities from the UK, the USA and Germany to run joint programs of global standards.

I am proud of AISSMS and recognize the importance of its history and impact on past, present and future generations. I especially commend its Office Bearers--H.H. Shrimant Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj who serves as President; Vice President Shrimant Yuvraj Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati; Honorary Secretary Shri Malojiraje Chhatrapati; Treasurer Shri Ajay Uttamrao Patil; Chairman of the Governing Council Shri Vishwas Bajirao Patil; Honorary Joint Secretary Shri Ratnakar K. Jitkar Shri Ajay Uttamrao; Chairman of the Managing Committee Shri Sahebrao R. Jadhav, the Governing Council, the Managing Committee and other notables.

I also pay tribute to Captain Shivaji Mahadkar, Managing Trustee of the Takshashila Education Trust, who visited my office in Washington, DC and personally extended an invite for me to speak to members of the esteemed All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society and to a gathering of faculty, staff and students. In my absence, I have entered this Statement in the Congressional Record for historical purposes as a matter of appreciation for the invitation which was extended to me but moreover to recognize and commend AISSMS for the critical role it has played in shaping and defining India, and for bringing hope to all who are, have been, or will be associated with its noble cause.

As the former Chairman and current Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, which has broad jurisdiction for U.S. policy affecting the region, including India, I am proud to be associated with AISSMS. The U.S. and India are on a path to expanding higher education partnerships with a focus to build more purposeful connections. In doing so, it is my sincere hope that AISSMS and my alma mater, Brigham Young University, and other institutions of learning, will connect in ways that bring new hope and new ideas to both countries.

I thank Mr. Sanjay Puri, founder and Chairman of the Alliance for U.S.-India Business (AUSIB) for introducing me to AISSMS, and for the good work he continues to do for and on behalf of India and Indian Americans. In 2011 and 2013, AUSIB hosted two of the largest U.S.-India education conclaves and, on March 13, 2013, Mr. Puri testified as an expert witness before the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, calling for enhanced education collaboration as a means to strengthen U.S.-India relations.

Now more than ever, the U.S. and India must be about academic collaboration and exchange, and I commend those with the foresight to march ahead, echoing the vision of the founders of AISSMS.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Viet Nam for its national report on the promotion and protection of human rights under the 2nd cycle universal periodic review.

The report is drafted in accordance with the guidelines of Resolution 60/251 dated 15 March 2006 of the United Nations General Assembly, Resolution 5/1 dated 18 June 2007 of the Human Rights Council, and Decision 17/119 dated 19 June 2011 of the Human Rights Council.

The drafting of the report was carried out by an inter-agency working group composed of government agencies and National Assembly committees working in the field of human rights, including the Office of the Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Public Security, Government Committee for Religious Affairs (Ministry of Home Affairs), Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Committee of Ethnic Minorities, People's Supreme Court, People's Supreme Procuracy, National Assembly's Committee on Law, and the National Assembly's Committee on Foreign Affairs.

In an effort to engage in international cooperation on human rights, Viet Nam holds annual human rights dialogues with a number of countries and partners including the United States, the European Union, Australia, Norway and Switzerland. These dialogues have produced positive outcomes. They not only enhance the understanding and relationship between Viet Nam and its partners, but also bring about discussions on best practices to address human rights matters of mutual concern.

On rights to freedom of expression, press and information, Viet Nam has made significant progress. Presently, there are 812 print newspapers and 1,084 publications; nearly 17,000 registered journalists; one national news agency, 67 radio and television stations; 101 TV channels and 78 broadcasting channels, 74 electronic newspapers and magazines; 336 social networks and 1,174 registered e- portals (compared to 46 e-newspapers and 287 e-portals in 2011). The Voice of Viet Nam (VOV) Radio Station broadcasts throughout 99.5 percent of Viet Nam's territory and many other countries via satellite. Today, the VOV reaches more than 90 percent of all households in Viet Nam.

Viet Nam law prohibits all actions harming the life, health, property, dignity and honor of detainees. Detainees have the right to meet their family, access to counsel or legal aid according to the law, access to information via newspapers, radio and television available in detention facilities and have the right to petition against violations of the law and detention regulations.

Prisoners have a right to education during their sentence and prisons strictly run education programs on literacy, elementary education, vocational training, laws and politics. Preventive healthcare and treatment for inmates are provided and prison health clinics have been upgraded or improved with professionally trained staff.

Freedoms of association and assembly are guaranteed by the Constitution (Article 69) and are legally protected in laws and by-law documents. There currently are 460 social, professional organizations whose geographic scope of activity are nationwide or interprovincial; 20 profession-based trade unions; 36,000 associations, federations, and social organizations which are local and, in general, these organizations have made great contributions to the development of the country, serving as a bridge between their members and the government.

Viet Nam is a multi-religious society with many religions represented including Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao Buddhism, Four Debts of Gratitude, and others. Ninety-five percent of all the people have some form of belief. There are about 25,000 places of worship and about 24 million followers of various faiths. The consistent policy and law of Viet Nam is to respect the right to freedom of religion. Yearly, there are about 8,500 religious festivals. The closing ceremony of the 2011 Holy Year of the Catholic Church was attended by more than 50 bishops, 1,000 priests, 2,000 dignitaries and nearly 500,000 believers. The 100th anniversary of Protestantism in Viet Nam was also celebrated in 2011 and the many activities associated with the celebration were widely attended by dignitaries and followers from Viet Nam and throughout the world. In 2013, Viet Nam and the Vatican conducted the fourth round of the joint working group meeting on the strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation. In 2014, the Buddhist Church of Viet Nam will host the UN Vesak Day which is also expected to attract thousands of followers.

When visiting Viet Nam in my official capacity as former Chairman and current Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, I have attended different religious services in various houses of worship and did so unannounced. I have always found Viet Nam to be a place favorable for religious activities, and I appreciate that Viet Nam is working to protect activities of religious groups by law.

Much more could be said about the positive developments in Viet Nam regarding religious freedom, healthcare, the economy, education, gender equality and other areas of importance. As a Viet Nam veteran, I am proud of the progress Viet Nam is making. This is why I have entered into the Congressional Record a more accurate accounting of all Viet Nam is doing to promote and protect human rights so that history may counter any erroneous information that differs from the facts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend China for calling upon Japan to ``face up to history'' for forcing women and girls, many from countries including China, the Republic of Korea, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Islands, to sexually serve Japanese soldiers during World War II.

For too long Japan's government has tried to downplay and deny the crimes of its Imperial military. Such defiance goes against human conscience. How Japan chooses to face its past will determine how it goes into the future. Its history must not be forgotten and must not be denied and distorted.

I stand with China in urging the Japanese government to acknowledge its history and apologize for it with concrete actions that will win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community. I also commend the Chinese Foreign Ministry for denouncing Japan's enslavement of these women and young girls during World War II as ``a serious crime against humanity.''

I am appreciative of the work of Congressman Mike Honda and former Congressman Lane Evans for introducing bills calling upon Japan to apologize. As Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, the first hearing I ever held was about this issue. The hearing, held on February 15, 2007, was the first time a hearing on this issue had ever been held in the history of the U.S. Congress, and I will always be grateful for the three women who testified.

Three survivors--Ms. Yong Soo Lee, Ms. Jan Ruff O'Herne and Ms. Koon Ja Kim--bravely testified before the Subcommittee and, consequently, their first-hand accounts of their suffering will stand forevermore on the official record of the Subcommittee as a witness against the abhorrent actions of the Japanese Imperial Armed Forces. After hearing the testimony of these three women, I have never been the same. I will never rest until justice is served.

And so, I commend my close colleague, Congressman Mike Honda, a Japanese-American, who also personally testified at the hearing about H. Res. 121, a resolution he introduced calling upon Japan to acknowledge, apologize and accept historical responsibility for its Imperial Armed Forces' coercion of young women into sexual slavery. H. Res. 121, which I co-sponsored, subsequently passed the House on July 30, 2007. I believe it passed because of the three survivors who testified as witnesses.

Regrettably, Japan is again about the business of trying to whitewash its crimes. But, it is my sincere hope that the international community will hold Japan accountable and insist on a formal apology. In this cause, all peaceful nations should hold together and this is why, once more, I publicly commend China for urging Japan to ``face up to its history.''