Floor Statements

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

Mr. Speaker, this bill, which is sponsored by Representative Rogers from Kentucky, establishes the Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument in the State of Kentucky to preserve, protect, and interpret for current and future generations, the historic resources of the Mill Springs Battlefield and its role in the American Civil War.

Mill Springs Battlefield in Pulaski County, Kentucky, was the site of the Union's first decisive victory in the western theater of the American Civil War. Given the Confederacy's presence in the South, the Union's performance in Kentucky was perceived as a pivotal turning point in the war.

President Abraham Lincoln articulated the strategic importance of Kentucky by stating: ``I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky.''

This monument designation is a fitting tribute to the historical significance of Mill Springs and an encouraging sign that we can continue to work across political lines to ensure that our most important places are preserved for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the support of this bill. I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, this bill is sponsored by Mr. Reed of New York, and it officially designates the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, as the National Comedy Center and recognizes it as the only museum that exists to celebrate comedy in the United States.

The National Comedy Center is set to open for the first time early next month. This honorary recognition will highlight the museum and the importance of the comedic arts which brighten the lives of everyday Americans.

I want to congratulate Congressman Reed for his hard work on behalf of Jamestown, New York, and the Comedy Center. I am very happy to lend my support to the preservation of institutions that preserve parts of our cultural identity, and I do urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, we should all be smiling when we say we support this bill--and that is no laughing matter.

Mr. Chairman, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. O'Halleran).

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

Mr. Speaker, this bill makes a small change to the previously approved water rights settlement in order to allow the White Mountain Apache Tribe in Arizona to complete work on a rural water system.

Specifically, the bill clarifies that funding Congress has already authorized for water-related economic development projects can be used to cover possible construction cost overruns associated with the Tribe's main water project, which will provide drinking water supplies for Tribal members once completed.

In addition, section 2 of the bill clarifies that the Pueblos of Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh in New Mexico are authorized to lease all of their Tribal lands for up to 99 years. Currently, the Pueblos have the option to enter into 99-year leases only on their trust lands, as this option is not extended to their restricted fee lands.

Passage of this provision will correct that discrepancy, allowing the Pueblos the same flexibility in leasing terms that other Tribes already possess.

I would like to thank our New Mexico colleagues, Senator Tom Udall and Congressman Ben Ray Lujan, for advocating for this issue and for getting this provision included in the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill which is sponsored by Senator Jeff Flake.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, so I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, this bill, as amended, would designate the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas city, Kansas, as a national commemorative site, an honorary designation under the National Park System.

The town of Quindaro was founded in 1857 and was a key site during the Bleeding Kansas conflict, serving as a safe port of entry into Kansas on the Missouri River for those opposed to slavery. In addition, the town aided runaway slaves as they escaped to freedom in Kansas through the Underground Railroad.

Local government, private entities, and individual stakeholders in the area have been working to elevate the status of the Quindaro Townsite for years, and I am glad we were able to recognize its important cultural legacy with this bill.

I want to congratulate Congressman Yoder on his hard work, and I want to commend my colleagues from across the aisle for coming up with an appropriate designation for this site. Designation of Quindaro Townsite as a national commemorative site is a fitting tribute that ensures the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of its early residents will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to mention that I have enjoyed working with Mr. McClintock of California on these Natural Resources bills. It was a joy to have bipartisanship.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 74th anniversary of the liberation of Guam during World War II.

This morning, I just came from Arlington National Cemetery, where Ms. Irene Sgambelluri, a survivor of the occupation of Guam, joined me and Congressman Sablan in laying a memorial wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Sgambelluri is a dear friend of mine who happens to be in the audience today in the gallery. I was honored to host her here in our Nation's Capital for this solemn anniversary.

The Chamorro people of Guam endured 32 months of occupation and wartime atrocities, with thousands of our island's finest murdered, brutalized, and forced into concentration camps. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Sgambelluri's father was taken by the Japanese, and she was later forced into a concentration camp for the remainder of the war.

Today, I introduced the Occupation of Guam Remembrance Act in recognition of the atrocities endured by the Chamorro people of Guam during World War II. We must never, ever forget the sacrifices made by our island's manamko--the elders--during the war.

My Occupation of Guam Remembrance Act will ensure that all those victims and survivors who submitted for war claims will have their names inscribed on the memorial wall at the Asan Bay Overlook in the War in the Pacific National Historic Park. The memorial wall is the only national monument dedicated to the sacrifices of Guam's Chamorro people during World War II, as well as the American servicemen and insular guardsmen who died defending the island during the war and those who liberated Guam in the summer of 1944.

Ms. Sgambelluri is just one of thousands who lived out that dark chapter in American history. I thank her for her friendship and for representing the thousands of war victims and survivors at this year's wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Guam's greatest generation, our manamko, or elders, who endured the war and survived have much to teach us. With the Occupation of Guam Remembrance Act, and the addition of all war claimants to the memorial wall, future generations will see the names of all those who sacrificed dearly for Guam and our future.

The victims and survivors of the occupation of Guam are in my prayers today, and I hope that all my colleagues here in Congress will join me in honoring the sacrifices of these very great Americans.

God bless Guam and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the AMBER Alert Nationwide Act.

I thank my colleagues from the other U.S. territories for their support as original cosponsors.

In 2003, Congress passed the PROTECT Act, establishing the national AMBER Alert system to mobilize the American public in cases of missing, abducted, and exploited children. However, this 2003 law did not provide for all of the U.S. territories to implement the AMBER Alert system. Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are still not integrated into the national system.

Our AMBER Alert Nationwide Act would fix this by integrating Guam and all U.S. territories into the next AMBER Alert system and providing needed Federal support for local law enforcement.

This bipartisan bill would also optimize the system for the territories by authorizing Federal funding for AMBER Alerts in major transportation hubs such as airports, maritime ports, customs checkpoints, and other ports of exits.

A truly nationwide AMBER Alert system must protect our missing, abducted, or exploited children in the U.S. territories. I urge our House colleagues to join us in cosponsoring this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education Research and Service (Guam CEDDERS) as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.

The University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (Guam CEDDERS), previously known as Guam University Affiliated Program (Guam UAP) on Developmental Disabilities, was founded by and continues to be led by Dr. Heidi San Nicolas. She recognized the importance of Guam being funded for the full complement of Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights and Assistance Act Federal Programs from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services including funding for a University Affiliated Program on Developmental Disabilities providing Interdisciplinary Training, Technical Assistance and Demonstration; Research, Evaluation and Dissemination of Information and best practices on Guam.

The primary mission of UOG CEDDERS is to create partnerships and pathways to increase the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Since its official founding on Feb. 14, 1993, Guam CEDDERS has remained at the forefront of providing comprehensive interdisciplinary training, technical assistance, model demonstration, clinical services, research, evaluation and dissemination of information beneficial to those with developmental disabilities and their families, and advocates on Guam and in the Western Pacific Region.

Throughout the years, the organization has grown tremendously in staff, funding, and outreach. Guam CEDDERS has been able to leverage funding in excess of $138 million to support its mission address the needs of our island's community.

Guam CEDDERS, is a dynamic, responsive and innovative organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as one of 67 National Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Guam CEDDERS is also a member of the National Association of University Center on Disabilities (AUCD); and collaborates locally with Guam's Tri-Agency DD Act partners.

Guam CEDDERS is a valuable resource having worked directly in supporting priorities and needs within Guam's local agencies. Additionally, Guam CEDDERS has implemented and collaborated with institutions of higher education in offering training programs to build capacity in serving persons with developmental disabilities throughout the community. The Center has also partnered with local and national organizations to implement a variety of research initiatives related to disability on Guam.

Guam CEDDERS has provided leadership in areas of technology on Guam through creating loan programs for assistive technology for individuals with disabilities with the first low interest loan made in 2006. They have additionally collaborated with the Guam Election Commission to ensure accessibility of voting locations; established Guam's System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Resource Center and model accessible home; partnered with the Wheelchair Foundation and disseminated 250 wheelchairs on Guam to those in need; among many other valuable contributions.

Guam CEDDERS researched, developed, and wrote Guam's Early Learning Guidelines Supports that enabled community-based child care centers to be inclusive of children with disabilities through staff training as well as facility modifications to support the inclusion of children with disabilities.

Guam CEDDERS has supported children and youth with emotional and behavior problems through administering two SAMHSA Community Action Grants. Guam CEDDERS contributed to the organization and compilation of the first and subsequent island wide needs assessment processes and summits related to disabilities leading publication of much needed resource documents for planning, policy and program development, and likewise brought together and published proceedings from Pacific Basin Interagency Leadership Consortium meetings.

Guam CEDDERS has provided education and context to federal policymakers and local policymakers regarding policy issues at the national and local level impacting individuals with disabilities; has sponsored focused input sessions; a Federal Public Hearing on the Reauthorization of IDEA; Summits and Conferences on topics including: Emergency Preparedness, Evaluation, Early Childhood, Inclusion, Employment, Self-Advocacy Transportation, and Assistive Technology; and has brought national leaders to Guam to provide Grand Rounds and other training opportunities to Guam's Physicians, specialists, and allied health providers.

Guam CEDDERS publishes many valuable newsletters and educational materials to serve its mission in a variety of languages and are available in accessible formats upon request, and are continuously updated and accessible through their website.

I commend the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education Research and Service Center for their tremendous contributions to Guam and the Western Pacific area. I extend my sincere congratulations to Guam CEDDERS on their 25th Anniversary.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I thank the University of Guam CEDDERS and all government agencies and community partners for their assistance in spreading disability awareness and affirming full inclusion of all individuals with disabilities as valued, contributing citizens on Guam. I look forward to countless contributions from Guam CEDDERS as they continue to create partnerships and pathways to increase the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Julian Bryson Wilgus on the occasion of his 100th birthday and commend him for his contributions to our community in Guam.

Julian was born on June 22, 1918 in Proctorville, Ohio, and is the son of Effie Bryson and William Harrison Wilgus. He currently resides in Talofofo, Guam after recently relocating to the island to live with his daughter Janna and her husband, Command Sergeant Major (retired) Martin Manglona.

Julian married Gleena Gamble on January 14, 1951. They were married for 48 years until Gleena's death in 1999. Julian's wife Gleena was a retired educator who earned nine master degrees. Together they raised two children, Julia Wilgus Mayo, a Regional Supervisor for School Psychologists in Lawrence County Ohio School District, and Dr. Janna Wilgus Manglona, Medical Director of the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Central Regional Health Center in Mangilao. He has been blessed with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Julian attended Marshall University in West Virgina and and Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. He worked as a Detective in Huntington, West Virginia's Police Department for 23 years, as well as an engineer for the West Virginia State Highways for 21 years.

Julian is a talented craftsman. Over the years, he has built extraordinary furniture and has restored an entire household of antiques. Julian is also an avid gardener and in summer provided vegetables and canned goods for family and friends for the rest of the year.

Julian is proud of his family history as his grandfather, Charles Harrison Wilgus, a Veteran of the Civil War and prosperous plantation owner ran an underground railroad that smuggled escaped slaves to safety and freedom through a tunnel under his home leading to the Ohio River. The home became a historical site for his selfless efforts to protect the slaves while placing himself in harm's way.

I join Julian Bryson Wilgus, all his family and friends, and the people of Guam in celebrating his 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Senior Airman Jon Taitano, a combat communications specialist and client systems technician at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam. Senior Airman Taitano was recognized this weekend as one of the U.S. Air Force's Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

Airman Taitano was nominated by his unit, the 644th Combat Communications Squadron, for his superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievements. The 644th CCS is part of the 36th Contingency Response Group in Andersen Air Force Base's 36th Wing and is positioned to rapidly deploy combat ready Airmen and communications in support of Pacific Theater contingencies.

Senior Airman Taitano's work maintaining and troubleshooting classified and unclassified combat communications systems is critical to our national defense and the protection of Guam and the strategic military assets based there. I speak on behalf of the people of Guam when I say we are immensely proud to see a University of Guam graduate like Senior Airman Taitano recognized as one of the top performers in the U.S. Air Force.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the people of Guam who endured 32 months of horrific enemy occupation during World War II. Today on Guam, our community is commemorating War Survivor Remembrance Day to honor their patriotism and unwavering loyalty to the United States. The residents of Guam suffered unspeakable harm as a result of our island's occupation by Imperial Japanese military forces during World War II. Guam was the only U.S. territory with a permanent civilian population occupied during World War II, and many of our people were subjected to death and the atrocities of war including forced labor and internment.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that our nation recognize the residents of Guam for their steadfast loyalty to the United States of America, as demonstrated by the countless acts of courage they performed despite the threat of death or great bodily harm they faced at the hands of the enemy forces that occupied Guam during World War

Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the Federal School Meals Parity Act with my colleague Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands as the original cosponsor.

Our bill would ensure that Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands are reimbursed fairly under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's in-school meal and child nutrition programs.

These USDA programs provide nutritionally balanced meals to needy K- 12 students each school day, including a breakfast, a lunch, and an after-school snack.

For many needy school children, these USDA programs often provide their only well-balanced or full meal of the day.

These important Federal nutrition programs serve millions--millions-- of American schoolchildren nationally, including some 18,000 Guam students and more than 10,000 students from the Virgin Islands.

However, current USDA regulations reimburse Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands at the rate for the continental United States. At the same time, our peer outlying jurisdictions--Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico--receive a much higher reimbursement rate.

According to USDA, the higher reimbursement rates for these States and territory reflect higher costs of delivering these programs in those outlying jurisdictions.

Well, we agree wholeheartedly that all outlying jurisdictions should be reimbursed at higher rates than the mainland United States because of these higher costs.

All five territories and both States outside the continental United States share the challenges of higher costs of living, fewer locally available resources, and greater percentages of schoolchildren from underserved households.

Indeed, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands both have higher costs of living, lower median household incomes, and greater unemployment than the mainland United States. Both territories face much higher costs for imported food, transportation, fuel, refrigeration, and other everyday necessities than the mainland. Certainly, Guam is the furthest of the territories.

To address these inadequacies, our bill would require that the USDA reimburse Guam at the same rate as its peer jurisdictions, Alaska and Hawaii; and the USDA reimburse the U.S. Virgin Islands at the same rate as neighboring Puerto Rico.

Under the Federal School Meals Parity Act, public, Department of Defense, and private schools on Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands would receive additional Federal funding to provide more in-school nutritious meals to our needy students.

Lastly, our bill directs USDA to complete a report comparing the costs of providing in-school meals to students in all five U.S. territories with the mainland 48 States and the outlying States of Alaska and Hawaii.

I continue working in partnership with Congresswoman Plaskett to ensure that parity for Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands under USDA's in-school meal and child nutrition programs.

So as Congress works to finalize the 2018 farm bill, I hope that our colleagues will provide equitable reimbursement for Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For me and Congresswoman Plaskett, this is an issue of fundamental fairness for the territories and our students. It must be a priority for our House and Senate colleagues as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republic of the Philippines on the 120th anniversary of its independence from Spain. On May 1, 1898, The Battle of Manila Bay signaled the United States' entry into the war with the Spanish that the Philippines had been fighting since 1896. On June 12, 1898, encouraged by support from our country, the Philippine people declared their independence after over 200 years of Spanish colonial rule. By August, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and my home, Guam, officially became a part of the United States.

Since earning their independence, the Philippine people have suffered through years of dictatorship, martial law, and Japanese occupation. The people of Guam are particularly sympathetic to these atrocities, having ourselves been occupied by enemy forces during World War II.

Since its independence, the Republic of the Philippines and the United States have shared a strong friendship and alliance that enhances

economic stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, many Filipinos have made the United States home. Filipino-Americans have contributed immensely to our nation's prosperity. In my home district of Guam, Filipino and Filipino-American community represent over one-third of the general population. They are also immense contributors to the betterment of our island and play a key role in the economic, social, and political fabric of our island and the nation as a whole.

In addition, the friendship of the Filipino people has forged a bond between our nations that has only grown stronger over time. Our nations are intimately linked to one another. I join the people of Guam in celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Republic of the Philippines' independence and look forward to our countries strengthening our relationship in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Darlene Quichocho as the recipient of the first Jane Wha-Young Kim Award for Teaching Excellence sponsored by the Jane Wha-Young Kim Foundation. Darlene currently teaches English and Speech and Drama at George Washington High School in Guam.

The Jane Wha-Young Kim Award for Teaching Excellence was established in 2017 to recognize one full-time middle or high school teacher on Guam who models excellence as a teaching professional. Darlene was chosen for her effective use of instructional practices and materials, her ability to inspire, enable, and assist students to achieve their full potential. She was also recognized for encouraging community engagement and service by students.

Darlene was chosen unanimously by a selection committee, made up of Jane Wha-Young Kim's family and prominent members of the education community on island. Darlene was chosen from among nine outstanding nominees based on her exemplary teaching record at the George Washington High School, her strong support for various extracurricular activities, and her exceptionally positive impact on her students, colleagues, and community. The award was presented to Darlene on Monday, April 23, 2018 at George Washington High School.

I join the people of Guam in congratulating Darlene, her family, and school community on this accomplishment. I look forward to her continued success and future contributions to our island.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Payu-ta, Inc. as they celebrate their 1Oth anniversary as a nonprofit organization serving the people of Guam. Payu-ta is Guam's umbrella association of non-governmental organizations. It was established in 2008 to address the need to enhance the services and effectiveness of non-governmental agencies on Guam. The mission of Payu-ta, Inc. is to support system that promotes and strengthens member organizations' capacity and advocates for a progressive and sustainable Guam community. The organization seeks to create collaborative partnerships that maximize resources and responds efficiently and effectively for positive community impact.

For the last 10 years, Payu-ta, Inc. has demonstrated that all those in our community are called to work together for the betterment of the island of Guam. The work of Payu-ta, Inc. has been a true investment in our community on Guam. The organization has recognized that non-profit organizations are a vital part of our society that contribute to the improved quality of life for all those in the community. Payu-ta, Inc. is made up of 27 member organization who provide a range of services to supplement the needs of the people of Guam. The members of Payu-ta, Inc. continue to deliver and enhance services to strengthen the island community. I am proud of the good work Payu-ta, Inc. has done over the last 10 years. I join the people of Guam in recognizing and commending Payu-ta, Inc. on its 10th anniversary as a nonprofit organization serving our island and people. I look forward to their continued success and contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Guam Association of REALTORS in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act enunciates a national policy of fair housing for all who live in the United States.

For the last 50 years, the Fair Housing Act has prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status and national origin. There is no doubt that the Fair Housing Act has been a positive initiative for the island of Guam and our country. The Fair Housing Act has promoted diversity throughout communities, and this diversity and integration has promoted economic stability, community health, and human relations.

Additionally, Fair Housing is integral to the ethical commitment of members of the National Association of REALTORS and the Guam Association of REALTORS. The Fair Housing Act gives all real estate professionals the ability to serve their clients, customers and communities.

Again, I join the Guam Association of REALTORS in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. I recognize the Guam Association of REALTORS as an inclusive community committed to fair housing and to promote appropriate activities by private and public entities intended to provide or advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of Guam. The Guam Association of REALTORS is the official voice of real estate on Guam with over 400 members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. I look forward to their continued contributions to the island of Guam.