Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the Chairman, the Ranking Member and both Republican and Democratic members of the Armed Service Subcommittee on Total Force and the full Committee for unanimously supporting an amendment to increase the number of military academy appointments from American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands to the U.S. Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy.

For my constituents, this means that American Samoa will be able to send two students to each service academy. Given that American Samoa has a population of over 57,000 people, a per capita income of less than $4,500 and almost 5,000 men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Services, I am pleased that we may be able to offer more students the opportunity to attend one of our nation's prestigious military academies.

Like other States and Territories, American Samoa has a long and proud tradition of supporting and defending the United States of America. In 1900, the traditional leaders of American Samoa ceded the island of Tutuila to the United States.

Tutila's harbor is the deepest in the South Pacific and the port village of Pago Pago was used as a coaling station for U.S. naval ships in the early part of the century and a support base for U.S. soldiers during World War II. 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 World War II to present operations in our war against terrorists. We have stood by the United States in good times and bad and I believe it is only appropriate that this relationship should be acknowledged by increasing our number of military academy appointments.

Again, I want to thank Chairman John McHugh and Ranking Member Vic Snyder of the Subcommittee on Total Force for supporting my request to increase the number of military academy appointments for American Samoa. I also want to thank my good friends, the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Ranking Member Ike Skelton, for their support.

On a personal note and as a Vietnam Veteran, I also want to thank the sons and daughters of this great nation who are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. As we consider the National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2004, I am hopeful that we will remember the sacrifices they are making to protect our liberties and in so remembering I urge my colleagues to support this reauthorization.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my distinguished friend and colleague from New York, the Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee, for giving me this opportunity to define the congressional intent of the temporary fiscal relief fund for American Samoa.

Congressman Rangel, based on our discussions and as a result of our bi-partisan efforts, it is my understanding that American Samoa will receive a temporary payment of approximately $5 million in fiscal year 2003 and $5 million in fiscal year 2004 under the provisions of the Jobs and Growth Reconciliation Tax Act of 2003 to improve education, health care services, transportation, law enforcement and for maintaining other essential government services.

Based on my discussions with the gentleman from New York and distinguished members of the Ways and Means Committee, it is also my understanding that in the case of American Samoa it is the intent of Congress that these temporary funds should be used for the following purposes and in the following way. For fiscal year 2003, $1 million shall be used for feasibility studies for harbor renovations at Tau and Anuu, $1.5 for village water renovation projects in Leone, Olosega/ Sili, and Tau, $1 million for the LBJ Medical Center to train nurses and doctors, and $1.5 million to improve high school libraries. For fiscal year 2004, $5 million shall be used to purchase a ferry to transport passengers and cargo between the islands of Manua and Tutuila.

I want to thank the gentleman from New York and I also want to thank the Chairman, the gentleman from California, for offering me this time to clarify the intended use of American Samoa's temporary fiscal relief funds.

Again, I appreciate and thank the gentleman from New York and the gentleman from California for supporting my request to include the intent of the Collins amendment in the conference report which was helpful in providing flex aid to the States and Territories. I am also appreciative to you both for clarifying the intended use of American Samoa's funds.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman, the ranking member and both Republican and Democratic members of the Armed Service Subcommittee on Total Force and the full committee for unanimously supporting an amendment to increase the number of military academy appointments from American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands to the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

For my constituents, this means that American Samoa will be able to send two students to each service academy. Given that American Samoa has a population of over 57,000 people, a per capita income of less than $4,500 and almost 5,000 men and women serving in the U.S. armed services, I am pleased that we may be able to offer more students the opportunity to attend one of the our Nation's prestigious military academies.

Like other States and Territories, American Samoa has a long and proud tradition of supporting and defending the United States of America. In 1900, the traditional leaders of American Samoa ceded the island of Tutuila to the United States.

Tutuila's harbor is the deepest in the South Pacific and the port village of Pago Pago was used as a coaling station for U.S. naval ships in the early part of the century and as a support base for U.S. soldiers during WWII. To this day, American Samoa serves as a refueling point for U.S. naval ships and military aircraft.

American Samoa also has a per capital 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 our war against terrorists. We have stood by the United States in good times and bad and I believe it is only appropriate that this relationship should be acknowledged by increasing our number of military academy appointments.

Again, I want to thank Chairman John McHugh and Ranking Member Vic Snyder of the Subcommittee on Total Force for supporting my request to increase the number of military academy appointments for American Samoa. I also want to thank my good friends, the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, Congressman Duncan Hunter, and Ranking Member Ike Skelton, for their support.

On a personal note and as a Vietnam Veteran, I also want to thank the sons and daughters of this great Nation who are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. As we consider the National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2004, I am hopeful that we will remember the sacrifices they are making to protect our liberties and in so remembering I urge my colleagues to support this reauthorization.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson) for his sponsorship of this resolution, which is most fitting for one of our former colleagues, Tony Hall, from the State of Ohio.

About 13 years ago it was my privilege to be a Member of the House Select Committee on Hunger, and if there are three names that stand out the most, in my humble opinion, and it is a matter of history, of our former colleagues, it is the late Congressman Mickey Leland from Texas, Bill Emerson from Missouri and Tony Hall from Ohio.

I have known Tony for these past years, and I have never known a person who is so genuine in his dedication and commitment to provide for the needs of the hungry, the poor and the needy.

I remember the time when we had left on a mission to Somalia with Bill Emerson, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis) and Tony Hall. It was upon our return from that trip in Somalia that we made a recommendation to President Bush that we definitely need humanitarian aid. If there ever was an experience in my life where I have ever seen the most degrading example of seeing how human beings could have survived in those circumstances in Somalia, Mr. Speaker, this was it. I sincerely hope that none of my colleagues or anybody would ever want to experience what I saw that day.

Tony Hall was a dear friend. Not only did he serve as an outstanding member of the Committee on Rules, but he certainly made his mark as a true humanitarian and great leader, not only here in this body, but as an example for all of us, in his dedication and commitment to provide for the hungry, the poor and the needy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Ohio for bringing this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

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

(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I want to thank and commend my good friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith), my colleague, for his authorship of this resolution. I certainly want to commend him for his leadership and his expertise not only as a member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, but his firm understanding of the issues now at hand. I also want to commend the chairman of our Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), and our senior ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for their providing support of this legislation that is now before us.

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

First, I would like to express my condolences to the families of all those who died in yesterday's suicide bombing attack in Saudi Arabia. I hope for the speedy recovery of those who were injured. This attack demonstrated that in the midst of the very crisis facing these countries, we need to maintain our focus on the war on terrorism and remain focused on protecting our homeland.

Madam Speaker, the resolution before us today calls for an end to sanctions against Iraq, an issue that holds the key to resolving virtually every major economic and social problem in newly liberated Iraq. Sanctions on Iraq, established by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 661 and reaffirmed in United Nations Security Council Resolution 687, have been in place for nearly 13 years since the August 1990 Iraq invasion of Kuwait.

These sanctions were intended to deprive Saddam Hussein insofar as it was possible of the means to carry out the most nefarious of his policies, threatening his neighbors and Iraq's own citizens, developing weapons of mass destruction and supporting terrorism.

Madam Speaker, clearly the need for United Nations sanctions on Iraq, indeed the very logic of sanctions, has now expired with the defeat and demise of Saddam Hussein's regime. Neither the coalition authorities nor the Iraqi people liberated from Saddam's tyranny pose any sort of threat to neighboring states. Nor, we can be certain, Madam Speaker, will the coalition authorities or a subsequent Iraqi regime support terrorism or develop weapons of mass destruction.

It is, therefore, time for the international community to decisively lift the sanctions and to allow the Iraqi people to resume a normal economic life and proceed with the reconstruction of their country, a crucial first step towards developing the healthy political and social environment in which democracy and social harmony can flourish.

Madam Speaker, I know that this matter is now being negotiated by our diplomats at the United Nations, and I have confidence that they will soon reach a satisfactory solution, I would certainly like to commend our Secretary of State, Colin Powell, for his outstanding leadership in this area.

This resolution strengthens our diplomats' hands by reinforcing the message that the world should support, and certainly not impede, economic development in liberated Iraq.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 160 and urge an end to anachronistic sanctions on Iraq.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).

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

Madam Speaker, not taking anything away from the spirit of this important resolution to commend and to honor some 20,000 of our fellow citizens in civilian life, and all who represented local, State, and Federal agencies who assisted with the collection of debris and materials of the Space Shuttle Columbia, I certainly want to commend my good friend, the gentlemen from Texas (Mr. Hall), for bringing this resolution to the floor for consideration by this body.

Absolutely, we should pay special tribute to our fellow Americans who assisted with the conduct of searching for the parts of the Columbia Shuttle. Just last week, the U.S. India Political Action Committee and the American Jewish Committee provided a special plaque that is now placed in the National Air and Space Museum commemorating the bravery of our astronauts who were part of the Space Shuttle Columbia. The inscription on this plaque that is now in the space museum states: ``In memory of the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Columbia who came together from around the world, who gave their lives in the pursuit of progress for all humanity.''

Madam Speaker, this being the month of May, I was honored last week to be invited by the President to the White House for his official proclamation of this month as being the National Asia Pacific Heritage Month. On behalf of some 12 million Asia Pacific Americans, I want to touch upon one specific Asian Pacific American. Of course, this tragedy touched all of us as Americans, but particularly affected were Indian Americans because they lost the first Indian American astronaut, Dr. Kalpana Chawla. Along with our Indian American friends, we also lost six other extraordinary individuals.

Dr. Kalpana Chawla came to symbolize the best amongst us. Born in Karnal, India, she studied in the United States and received her doctorate from the University of Colorado. Her life and professional success symbolizes the success of the Indian American community today in our country. In serving her adopted country, she demonstrated that Indian Americans are at the forefront of national achievements.

Again, I just wanted to point that out, again recognizing the bravery of the astronauts who participated in this Columbia Shuttle. I thank my good friend from Texas for allowing me to say a few words in support of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, today, when our country faces unprecedented challenges, it is crucial that we have strong allies in the world. One such ally is Kazakhstan, a country that throughout its short history of independence has demonstrated a true commitment to our principles and ideals of building a safe and prosperous world.

Against the backdrop of modem threats of catastrophic terrorism with the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), Kazakhstan has voluntarily renounced the world's fourth largest nuclear arsenal it inherited from the former Soviet Union, has shut down the world's largest nuclear test site and has been actively working with the United States in the fight against international terrorism.

Kazakhstan's example can be used as a response to aspirations by rogue states to develop WMD to impose their interests in the world. This is why I believe we need to actively spread the story of Kazakhstan's responsible international conduct and its strong cooperation with the United States that is of exceptional significance to settle today's most critical international problems.

As a key state for our interests in the center of Eurasia, Kazakhstan was one of the first to support us in the tragic days after September 11 and is providing concrete assistance in the Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Kazakhstan, sharing our interest in securing stability in Iraq and its surroundings after Operation Iraqi Freedom, is also sending its military medical personnel to join the International Coalition Stabilizing Force.

Now is the time, I believe, for us to develop multifaceted cooperation with Kazakhstan, a strategic partner of the United States in the fight against terrorism and proliferation of WMD. Now is the time to support this young and perspective country of pro-Western orientation in its serious efforts to build a developed and prosperous society. Such a course will undoubtedly meet the interests of our two nations.

On May 5, 2003, the Honorable Kanat Saudabayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, published an article in the Washington Times

entitled ``Kazakhstan's contribution'' in which he addressed these issues in a most persuasive manner. I call upon my colleagues to read this article and request your permission to include it in the U.S. Congressional Record.

Kazakhstan's Contribution

U.S. Should Strengthen Cooperation Efforts

(By Kanat Saudabayev)

Although the recent PBS screening of ``Avoiding

Armageddon'' did mention Kazakhstan as a country that chose

to rid itself of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), it was

disappointing that Americans were not fully informed of what

was behind that choice and what it means for global security.

Kazakhstan's ``notable example'' of disarmament, as the

White House recently described it, could be used as a

counterweight to aspirations of some countries to develop WMD

as means to assert their interests in the world. I strongly

believe that Kazakhstan's story of responsible international

behavior and strong cooperation with the U.S. is of paramount

importance, as it might lead to solutions to today's most

acute international problems.

In 1991, having suffered through almost 500 Soviet nuclear

tests that destroyed the lives of 1.5 million people,

Kazakhstan voluntarily renounced what would have been the

world's 4th nuclear arsenal and shut down the world's largest

nuclear test site at Semipalatinsk. Together with the United

States, we have since destroyed the remaining infrastructure

of the loathsome legacy of the Cold War. Amongst the most

graphic examples of our cooperation under the Nunn-Lugar

program have been Project Sapphire, which shipped more than

1,300 pounds of weapons-grade uranium from Kazakhstan to the

U.S., and the destruction of the world's largest anthrax

production and weaponization facility at Stepnogorsk.

The path of history could have been different, however, had

President Nursultan Nazarbayev chosen to go with the

significant portion of Kazakhstan's elite that was in favor

of keeping the nuclear weapons as means to ostensibly gain

international respect.

To the contrary, it was Mr. Nazarbayev's unswerving

commitment to disarmament during all these years that led

Kazakhstan to renounce the nuclear weapons, becoming a strong

disarmament advocate, and ultimately, gaining the recognition

as a peace-loving nation.

Indeed, it is our policies that enabled Kazakhstan to

launch a new security organization for Asia with the

participation of the leaders of 16 nations. At its inaugural

meeting in Almaty in June 2002, we hosted the presidents of

China, Russia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the prime

minister of India and others. At the height of a crisis

between New Delhi and Islamabad, their leaders sat at one

table and were able to directly listen to each other. This

event became Kazakhstan's important contribution to the

reduction of tensions between the two nuclear powers of

the subcontinent.

``Countries like Kazakhstan that have renounced nuclear

weapons for all time provide an example and can provide

valuable leadership on these issues,'' former Sen. Sam Nunn

said this month at a Washington conference. ``One of the

things I hope we can do is pay some real attention, and put

in a leadership role, to countries that have given up nuclear

weapons.''

I couldn't agree more. We believe our example should become

international public knowledge and a factor in dealing with

threshold countries.

Though our disarmament might seem something of the distant

past, it also relates directly to present challenges to

global security.

We still need to take care of what Mr. Nunn calls the human

factor. As we moved to disarm and destroy the military

infrastructure, scores of experienced nuclear scientists and

biological specialists and their families, were left

lingering in ghost towns with neither proper jobs nor means

to live. They can be instrumental in commercial projects of

conversion in such areas as the peaceful use of atomic energy

and biotechnologies. The help from the United States will not

only give them an opportunity to peacefully apply their

skills, but will also strengthen our joint

counterproliferation efforts at a time when numerous

countries and terrorist groups continue to seek WMD.

Our cooperation with the United States in nonproliferation

and fighting terrorism has served as a strong foundation for

our relations, dubbed ``strategic partnership'' by Presidents

Nursultan Nazarbayev and George Bush.

The people of Kazakhstan were outraged by the horrific

attacks of September 11, and we have worked closely with the

United States in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan.

As of now, more than 1,000 coalition aircraft have flown over

Kazakhstan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. We have

provided our major airport for the use by U.S. Air Force, and

significantly expanded the cooperation between our armed

forces and intelligence services.

We have supported the American-led efforts to disarm Saddam

Hussein, who failed to present clear evidence of the

disarmament of Iraq and hence bore the full responsibility

for the military action. Today, we stand united in bringing

stability to that country and the region.

It is crucial then that in this fragile time, policy-makers

and people of both Kazakhstan and the United States make

strong efforts to support our cooperation further. This will

bode well with the long-term interests of both nations and

will help us build a safer and more prosperous world.

Mr. Speaker, I do want to offer my commendation to the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Janklow) and my dear and good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey), for bringing this important resolution here for consideration by this body.

I could not help but reminisce, Mr. Speaker, in listening to my dear friend, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey), reciting this famous poem by the great writer, Longfellow. I reminisced that in my youth in this little high school in Hawaii where I was raised, Kahuku High School, we were literally required to memorize the whole poem by this great American writer Longfellow.

If I could just say basically,

Listen my children

And you shall hear

Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere

On the 18th of April in '75.

Hardly a man is now alive

Who remembers that famous day and year.

One if by land, two if by sea,

And I on the opposite shore shall be,

Ready to ride, to spread the alarm

To every Middlesex village and farm. . . .

Yes, that was the declaration, and I am sorry, I have forgotten the other verses.

I think the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Janklow) could not have said it better. What better, more fitting occasion for our congressional leadership, both in the Senate and in the House.

The great State of Massachusetts, one of the great founding States of this great Nation of ours, what a tremendous asset to our Nation. We think of Harvard University, we think of Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I remember what Mr. Emerson said, something that was a lesson to me as a youth, and maybe this is something we could also learn: ``The years teach much which the days never know.'' I bring this to the attention of my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, because I think it is important.

We talk about honoring Patriots' Day. As a Vietnam veteran, I think of all those who have made tremendous sacrifices, and the ultimate sacrifice. As I have said previously to my colleagues in this Chamber, we can always rebuild airplanes. We can make bullets, and if they are destroyed we can do it again. But when a person sacrifices his life to maintain our freedoms, that is the ultimate sacrifice.

I think it is most fitting as we discuss this issue of Patriots' Day, as we recall what happened on September 11, as we recall what happened in the situation that we are now in, and our unfortunate situation in the Vietnam

War, the Korean War, the two world wars, I do not need to recite to my colleagues what happens and what it means to be a patriot in this great Nation of ours.

Yes, it is not a perfect country. If we say that the greatest blessing of this Nation is based on its diversity, people from all different walks of life, from all different ethnicities and nationalities, that the United States truly is a microcosm of the whole world in itself, and we are here because we believe in the principle that nobody is above the law. This Nation is founded upon laws and not men.

How I appreciate the gentleman reminding me, my good friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), of how great this country is to all of us. I am sure our colleague, the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy), would have said the same thing. Whether it be the Kennedys, the Markeys, the Faleomavaegas, what a beautiful Nation in the diversity it stands for.

Yes, we have problems. Some have asked what America means to me as a patriot. With all my own imperfections and weaknesses, I would say that what I recall was said on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in the summer of 1963 by an African American and a minister by the name of Martin Luther King, Junior, it could not have been said better what America is all about as patriots. That is, he had a dream. The dream is that one day his children will be judged not by the color of their skin but by their character. I think that is the essence of what America is about. This is what Patriots' Day is about. Thank God we live in a country that is free, that allows us to pursue our own sense of happiness, whatever that might be.

Again, I thank my good friend, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey), for his eloquence and for bringing this resolution to the floor. I thank my good friend, the gentleman from South Dakota, for doing likewise.

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

(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) for his management of this piece of legislation. I also commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam) for his sponsorship of this proposed resolution.

Mr. Speaker, as stated by the previous gentleman, my good friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi), this is a noncontroversial resolution which salutes our National Wildlife Refuge System on its 100th birthday. Certainly our refuge system must be listed as one of our Nation's best and most enduring conservation success stories.

While I agree wholeheartedly with my colleagues that we indeed should celebrate our refuge system, I would be remiss if I did not also remind my colleagues of the significant challenges that confront this system today.

At present, the refuge system faces a combined operations and maintenance backlog, backlog, Mr. Speaker, that is approaching some $1.8 billion. Funding to acquire or protect additional refuge lands has also shrunk, leaving some refuges fragmented or with gaping holes which both complicate and frustrate management.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, critics still debate whether the ``wildlife first'' mission of the refuge system should be adjusted more towards the benefit of wildlife and less to the interests of other stakeholders who wish to extract or otherwise use refuge resources.

Mr. Speaker, these are all issues that the refuge system will have to face as it begins its second hundred years. But for now, we should take a moment to reflect with pride on the accomplishments of this genuine conservation success story and congratulate it for a job well done.

Again, I commend my good friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) for bringing this resolution to the floor; and I commend our chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), and our ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), for their leadership and support of this legislation.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Tanner) to speak in support of the legislation.

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

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

(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, this piece of legislation, I can just simply say, is long overdue and I cannot thank enough my good friend from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth) and his leadership in bringing this piece of legislation, and also Senator McCain of the other body for bringing this to fruition.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support S. 162, which is before us this afternoon, and pleased that we are dispensing with this bill early in the session. This bill will provide the authority needed to distribute judgment awards funds to members of the Gila River Pima-Maricopa Indian community in the State of Arizona. This action will finally bring to closure litigation which started in 1951, Mr. Speaker. That is 42 years surrounding the failure of our government, the United States Government, to adequately protect the use of water from the Gila River and the Salt River on behalf of the tribal community.

In 1972 the Indian Claims Commission found the United States liable to the community with regard to the underlying complaint, and in 1982 the U.S. Court of Claims agreed with that finding. A monetary settlement in the amount of $7 million has been agreed to, and today we will ratify the distribution of those funds according to the wishes of the community.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank my colleague from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth) for bringing this to the attention of the Members of this institution; and, again, I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) for management of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to commend my good friend from Arizona not only for his eloquence, as always, but for the outstanding leadership that he has demonstrated as a member of our congressional caucus, as cochairman of the Native American Caucus, my good friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth) for his appreciation and understanding of the needs of the first Americans in our community.

I also would like to give recognition to the fact that we have two other Members who, unfortunately, because of schedules, just are not here but would have loved to testify in support of this legislation. So in a bipartisan fashion, I will just mention that my colleagues, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Pastor), I know, would have loved to be here to lend their support to this legislation.

Just a little sense of history, Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier, in 1951, the Gila River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community sued the United States before the Indian Claims Commission seeking damages for failure of the United States to protect the community's historic use of the Salt River water during the period from 1880 to 1936. In 1999, in order to end continuing litigation between the community and the United States regarding the nature of the community's water rights under section 2 of the ICCA, and for this period, the United States, and that is the Department of Justice and the community, jointly moved the Federal Court of Claims to enter a final judgment against the United States in the amount of $7 million in favor of the community. The final judgment entered into by the Court of Federal Claims finally disposed of all the community's claims and demands under section 2 of the ICCA.

As noted in the 1999 stipulation and joint motion for entry of final judgment, and because such claims are beyond the jurisdiction of the Indian Claims Commission, as conferred by section 2 of the Indian Claims Commission Act, the final judgment entered into by the Court of Federal Claims, pursuant to the stipulated settlement, does not dispose of claims that could be brought by the community with regard to the applicability of the Winters Doctrine or the full extent of other water rights.

The bottom line, Mr. Speaker, as stated by my good friend from the State of Arizona earlier, I think we have committed a tremendous injustice to this tribe. For the 42 years it has taken them to seek redress on this grievance, it has taken over 42 years, I think is a tremendous injustice and it is about time that we do something about this. I sincerely hope that my colleagues will support this legislation.

Again, I thank my good friend from Arizona for his support and his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time

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

(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, again I thank my good friend from Arizona for his management of this legislation. I thank also the chairman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest), who is the chief sponsor of this proposed legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this bill passed in committee last year and we are just going through the process and refining it even better. As stated by my good friend from Arizona, this noncontroversial legislation would authorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand the existing Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge through the acquisition of Garrett Island.

Mr. Speaker, wildlife habitats such as that found on Garrett Island is in short supply in the lower reach of the Susquehanna River. In fact, it is my understanding that Garrett Island is the only bedrock island in the tidal portion of the Chesapeake Bay System.

The Fish and Wildlife Service should be encouraged to pursue the addition of this valuable property to enhance the existing Blackwater Refuge Complex and also to ensure the long-term protection of important open space and fish and wildlife habitat.

Again, in closing, I want to express my full support of this proposed legislation. And I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to commemorate the life of the late Congressman Phil Burton, who in my humble opinion was one of the greatest and most brilliant legislators in modern times.

Those of us who had the privilege of working with Phil Burton can certainly attest to his unique and outstanding leadership capabilities and his tremendous influence still being felt today. No doubt we all have our Phi Burton stories to tell, most of which center around the life and times of a man who is one of the great legislative giants of our times.

Twenty years ago, over 125 Members of Congress, including House Speaker ``Tip'' O'Neill, traveled to San Francisco to attend a special memorial service in honor of Phil Burton. It was one of the largest delegations of Members, perhaps even the largest, to attend a memorial service of one of its own colleagues.

I remember former California Assembly Speaker and now Mayor of San Francisco, Mayor Willie Brown, a close personal friend and associate of Phil Burton, made an interesting observation of Phil's life and career. Mayor Brown said, ``Now I know some of you Members of Congress are here to pay your respects and truly offer your sympathies to Sala (Phil's wife) and the family. But I also sense that some of you are here to be absolutely certain that Phil Burton is dead and to be sure that you will never have to confront him again.''

At the memorial service, House Speaker Tip O'Neill also made this comment concerning Phil Burton. He said, ``Few in the House of the past or in the present can match his contribution.'' ``Phil had his losses, but he always shoved adversity aside. He fought for the hungry and the sick and against bigotry with tremendous energy and commitment.''

Some people describe Phil Burton as an ultra-liberal and very difficult to work with because of his so-called ideology. But I considered Phil a very unique kind of liberal, one who was able to foster relationships with other Members, despite differences in ideologies. It was not uncommon to find Phil in a corner of this chamber talking to a conservative Republican or conservative Democrat. I remember well one of Phil's famous proverbial expressions, ``Cut the B.S. and let's be operational.''

Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues are well aware, one of the most ideologically-based committees in this institution is the Committee on Resources. A committee composed mainly of Members from Western states, whose districts are significantly effected by the involvement of the Federal Government regarding the control and administration of millions of acres of land which are located in these states.

Recognizing the atmosphere that existed in the Committee, I once asked former Congressman Sam Steiger, a senior Republican from Arizona, how he was able to get along with a liberal like Phil. Congressman Steiger replied, ``Two things Eni. First, Phil is among the few liberals who at least comes and talks to us on this side of the aisle, and second, in all the years that I've known and worked with him, Phil Burton has never broken a promise.'' Mr. Speaker, Phil Burton was a man of his word.

Long before I knew that I was going to be a member of this great institution, I served as a member of Phil's staff. From him I learned a lesson that I have carried with me ever since. ``Eni,'' he told me, ``the only thing that matters and is worth anything working in this place--is your word. Don't ever forget that.''

Mr. Speaker, I haven't forgotten this lesson, and the many others I learned from Phil. He was a man of principle, conviction and determination. A man who left behind a legacy of integrity. A man who was my mentor and friend.

Mr. Chairman, today I rise in support of H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2003. H.R. 6 is a bill that addresses the need for a coherent and comprehensive national energy policy. It is a bill aimed at developing a competitive oil and gas leasing program, and a bill that recognizes the need for development of alternative modes of energy.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to take a moment to highlight a section in H.R. 6 of particular importance to the insular areas. The provision of this section requires a comprehensive energy report to be produced on consumption, importation, and potential for indigenous alternative energy in insular areas, which at present are highly dependent on energy imports. This provision is of vital importance to my district and those of my colleagues from the territories because it would provide for a process to help address some of the crucial energy needs of these insular areas.

This section also provides for creation of a grant program to fund projects for electrical power and distribution lines within the territories, which are highly susceptible to damages caused by hurricanes and typhoons. It is my hope that this legislation will begin to address our needs and move us toward the goal of giving the insular areas the tools we need to develop local sources of energy in a balanced and environmentally sound manner.

Mr. Chairman, I also want to express my support for opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas leasing programs. There has been much debate regarding this subject and I feel compelled to call attention to three key points.

As a staunch supporter of self-determination and economic development of indigenous peoples, I feel it important to recognize the opinions of those communities directly affected by the opening of the ANWR region. Surveys suggest, and even the National Research Council reports, that the resident of Kaktovik largely support the environmentally sensitive development of the 1002 area because it would provide significant economic resources to the Inupiqaq people. Additionally, the Alaska Federation of Natives recognizes the potential economic benefits to Alaska Natives and Alaska Native Corporations through the State, and as a result passed a resolution in support of legislation for opening the ANWR region.

Mr. Chairman, development of the ANWR also promises to provide jobs not only locally, but nationwide as well. Economic analyses forecast that as many as 735,000 jobs across the country could be created as a result of development of ANWR. As a nation we are enduring uncertain fiscal times and must consider all avenues available to help alleviate the burdens felt by states and individuals. The need for this legislation is reflected by that fact that many of the major labor unions, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Seafarers International Union, and the Laborers International Union, among others, back the development of 1002.

I would also like to emphasize the success of the Prudhoe Bay oil development program thus far. Since North Slope oil production began, the Central Arctic Caribou herd has to been detrimentally affected. It has, in fact, flourished. Since 1978, the herd has increased from 5,000 to approximately 30,000. We should look at the caribou as an example of how we can achieve a balance between technology and environment.

Mr. Chairman, the Resources committee had the honor of hearing testimony Ms. Tara Sweeney of the Inupiat tribe, who so eloquently expressed her peoples support of the opening of the ANWR area. We have heard a multitude of strong arguments on both sides of this issue, but perhaps none so compelling as

Ms. Sweeney's, who said, ``As a native people we do not have a hierarchy for traditional food. The caribou is just as important to our souls as the whale. We cannot live without both. That is an important point to remember when deliberating this issue. We would not recommend development if it sacrificed our access to caribou.''

While obviously there are many strong arguments both in favor and against development of ANWR, but the overwhelming support by the indigenous community in Alaska, along with the proven success of development thus far, is too often dismissed by opponents of this legislation. I am therefore supporting H.R. 6, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill as well.

Mr. Speaker, June 19, 2002 marked the 30th Anniversary of the passing of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This legislation was introduced and tirelessly fought for by my late colleague and friend the Honorable Patsy Mink of Hawaii. Congresswoman Mink left a legacy for us to continue, one which demands our continued diligence in promoting and maintaining gender equality. Since its passing, Title IX has been crucial in setting a standard of equal education opportunities.

Today, and as a result of Title IX, the opportunities that women enjoy far surpass those of previous generations. These accomplishments are being threatened by current recommendations to implement changes to Title IX athletic policies that contradict the spirit of athletic equality and gender parity. We cannot allow this to happen.

Some argue that Title IX has accomplished all its goals and some even suggest that it has exceeded what it was set forth to accomplish. The reality Mr. Speaker, is that while great strides have been made to level the playing field for women in sports we have not achieved complete gender equity in athletics. Data from the NCAA 1999-2000 Gender Equity Report shows that female athletes in Division I schools receive only 41% of the opportunities to play intercollegiate sports, 43% of the total athletic scholarship dollars, 36% of the athletic operating budgets, and 32% of the dollars spent to recruit new athletes.

Additionally Mr. Speaker, Title IX does not deprive men of athletic resources, nor has men's participation in athletics suffered as a result of Title IX. In fact, by 2001 male participation in collegiate sports rose 22.6% from 1972. In 2000, for every dollar being spent on women's sport, Division I schools were spending almost two dollars on men's sports. In limited situations where men's athletic teams have been cut, it is often due to a lack of support for those teams combined with inflated budgets for football and men's basketball teams.

Given these realities, changes to Title IX would be premature and a set-back to the work we have accomplished over the last 30 years. The task laid at our feet by the Honorable Patsy Mink to fight for gender equality requires us to make sure that the advances women have made as a result of the implementation of Title IX do not overshadow the fact that our work is not complete. Therefore I urge my colleagues to support the intent of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I first would like to extend my commendation to the sponsor of this resolution, my good friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), who also happens to be the co- chair of our Congressional Native American Caucus. I am very moved by the leadership and the initiative that this gentleman has taken to bring this resolution to the floor for consideration by the Members of this Chamber.

I also would like to thank my good friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), as co-manager of this legislation, and the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter) for his management of this proposed resolution.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of House Resolution 113 to recognize the social problems of child abuse and neglect and support efforts to enhance public awareness of the problem. Currently, much of the world is focused on the current global events, and as a Nation we support our troops overseas and pray for their safe return home.

I would also like to express my gratitude to our Committee on Armed Services for their diligence and bravery, as well as to their family members who continue to remain stalwart in support of them.

Mr. Speaker, as we continue to keep abreast of these global events, we must also remember that we have a generation of children who need our support and our protection. Each year, child protective service agencies receive approximately 3 million reports of suspected or known child abuse and neglect. Many of these children are removed from their unsafe home conditions and placed in foster care; tragically, some die as a result of abuse and neglect.

Mr. Speaker, our children require our assistance. They need us to defend their right to provide safe havens for them to grow and flourish. There has been a recognition for the need to get out into the public and educate families regarding parenting skills aimed at rehabilitating the family and preventing out-of-home placement of children.

We have seen a struggle between old, traditional views of childrearing and modern society's views. As a society, it has been important for us to recognize that child abuse and neglect occurs in our community and that we as a collective unit are charged with preventing such abuses. We cannot continue to ignore the problems our children face. Now is the time for us to act to stand up for our children's rights, to report abuse that we see take place, and to get involved.

With all the trials and tribulations that life holds, we owe it to our children to provide them a safe environment while they are young, one where they have the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to live without fear. We can achieve this goal by supporting this resolution and calling on all Americans to participate in breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and to give these victimized children hope for the future.

Again, I am always impressed by the eloquence of my good friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), and I thank him for his initiative and efforts to bring this resolution to the floor. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.