Floor Statements

Chairman McKeon, I thank you and, of course, Ranking Member Adam Smith.

I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in support of the conference report for H.R. 4310. This defense bill conference report works to ensure that our men and women in uniform are well trained and equipped through the authorization of $176 billion in operation and maintenance funding, plus $62 billion for overseas operations, including Afghanistan.

The conferees have restored 77 aircraft and 3,313 people to the Air Force's force structure, mostly in the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve, to ensure adequate resources are available to the States and the territories to respond to mobilizations, homeland defense and disaster-assistant missions. I am personally pleased that the conferees did not allow the retirement of Block 30 Global Hawks, which provide critical ISR capability.

I am particularly pleased that the conference report authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to provide space-available transportation to Active Duty servicemembers and their dependents and Reserve component members and others at the Secretary's discretion.

While I am disappointed that the conferees authorized percentage reductions in the DOD civilian workforce, I expect the Department to implement these reductions in compliance with the statutory requirements for a balanced workforce sized to meet mission requirements, workload, and to mitigate risks in operational readiness.

Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, this conference report takes a major step toward loosening restrictions on the obligation and the expenditure of U.S. and Government of Japan funds to support the military buildup on Guam. I believe that this bill sends a strong message that the United States remains committed to providing resources to refocus on the Asia-Pacific region

I'm also pleased that the conference report includes a requirement that flags from the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories be displayed at U.S. military installations around the world.

I ask my colleagues to support the conference report.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for section 1096 of H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. The provision, sponsored by my friend and colleague, Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, fixes oversights by the Department of Defense. The provision would ensure that flags of the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia are required to be displayed alongside the flags of the 50 states. Current regulations by the Department of Defense are too permissive and many military installations across the globe do not include flags from the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.

Millions of men and women from the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories have answered the call to duty in every conflict the United States has engaged in over the course of its history. Most recently, thousands of men and women have answered the call to support missions in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Iraq. Moreover, National Guardsmen from DC and the U.S. territories have supported homeland defense missions from protecting the border, to recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. Men and women in uniform from DC and the U.S. territories have answered the call to duty and it is only right that the symbol of their homes be displayed wherever and whenever the Department of Defense displays the flags of the 50 states.

As Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and as a member of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I will advocate for this provision to be carried in any Conference Committee report on the FY13 NDAA. As the Senate begins consideration of their version of the FY13 NDAA, I urge my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to include this provision in their bill as well. This provision just makes sense and it is important to reflect the colors of the flags of the District of Columbia and U.S. territories in any display of the flag by DoD. Servicemembers from these jurisdictions are respected and important members of the Armed Services and deserve to have the colors of their homes displayed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 58th anniversary of the Filipino Community of Guam and their service to our community. The Filipino Community of Guam was established in 1955 and serves as the umbrella organization for all non-profit Filipino groups on Guam. I thank the Filipino Community of Guam for fostering and maintaining a special relationship with our brothers and sisters in the Philippines, as well as with Filipinos who now call Guam their home.

Many Filipinos on Guam have found success and have made significant contributions to the island's development and business community. They have become government leaders, healthcare professionals and educators. The Filipino Community of Guam for the past 58 years has worked to expand their reach to include all Filipino organizations on Guam who use their talent, knowledge, and expertise to help those in need by supporting numerous charitable non-profit organizations on Guam and in the Philippines.

Most notably, the Filipino Community of Guam has provided aid in times of need for emergencies and natural disasters in Guam and the Philippines. Over the last two years, its members have collected nearly $200,000 for victims of Typhoon Ondoy and Sendong, and recent flood relief efforts in the Philippines. The close connection between our brothers and sisters in the Philippines and Guam is reflected in the work of the Filipino Community of Guam.

I commend President Leah Beth Naholowaa, 1st Vice President Roy Adonay, 2nd Vice President William Dela Pena, 3rd Vice President Meilou Milligan, Treasurer Marites Valondo, Assistant Treasurer Sonia Sotelo, Auditor Ephren Marquez, Secretary Elizabeth San Nicolas, Public Relations Officer Mark Duarte, Peace Officers Dan Romulo & Pompeyo Barroga, for their leadership and contributions to this important organization.

I congratulate members of the Filipino Community of Guam on 58 years of service to our community. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend a heartfelt Thank You, un Dangkulo' na Si Yu'os Ma'ase, and Maraming Salamat Po. I wish the Filipino Community of Guam many more years of continued growth and success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 13th Annual Guam Diabetes Conference as well as President Emeritus Carl Butler for his 20 years of service to the Guam Diabetes Association and our community on Guam. This important gathering provides healthcare professionals with the opportunity to share their expertise and knowledge with members of the Guam Diabetes Association. The conference coincides with American Diabetes Month, which is recognized every November as a time to promote education and more effective management of the disease.

This year's theme, ``Diabetes: Focus on Healthy Choices for a Better Life,'' highlights the importance of personal responsibility in diabetes management. On Guam and throughout the country, type 2 diabetes remains a growing concern because of the severe complications that may result from poor management. In particular, Asians and Pacific Islanders have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than the general population. The Guam Diabetes Association has worked to educate our community about how to avoid complications, such as heart and kidney disease, stroke and neuropathy, and to promote healthier food and lifestyle choices on Guam.

Research shows that people can reverse diabetes and reduce their risk of developing complications through careful management and moderation. We know now that having diabetes does not mean having all the dreaded complications, and the Guam Diabetes Association helps to dispel myths associated with the disease and promote the idea that people with diabetes can still live full lives.

The Guam Diabetes Association plays an important role in educating the public about diabetes, and provides an invaluable service to our community. I commend the Guam Diabetes Association and current President Jose Q. Taitague for working to reduce and prevent diabetes on our island, and I am hopeful that Guam Diabetes Conference will help further efforts to stop diabetes on Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology, WVCST, Alumni Association Guam chapter as they celebrate their 20th anniversary as a socio-civic organization and for their service to our community. Founded on January 17, 1993, WVCST alumni and former students have shared the traditions of their alma mater through the work they do in various industries. They have a strong presence in the Philippines and they have made important contributions to our island community.

WVCST was first led by Catalino ``Lino'' Escalona, Jr., Larry Lanquin, Tessia Roa, and Bert Jurinario who worked to foster unity and close relationships among WVCST Alumni and the Filipino community on Guam. The WVCST Alumni Association has been an active member for the past two decades of the Filipino Community of Guam, FCG, an umbrella association of more than 40 Filipino groups in Guam. As an organization, WVCST focuses their efforts on providing higher education opportunities for low-income youth. They also foster and promote FCG programs and activities by supporting FCG's annual cultural events and community missions.

Since 1993, WVCST has supported the ``Adopt a Scholar Program.'' The organization has sponsored 212 students, enabling them to attend WVCST in Iloilo City, Philippines, and receive an undergraduate education as well as student housing. The Guam Community College, GCC, also receives merit-based scholarships from the association.

The WVCST Alumni Association also donates annually to charitable organizations such as the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, InterFaith Caregivers, Human Rights Advocates from the Commonwealth of the Marianas, Guam's Golden Salute Foundation, and People Helping People. WVCST Alumni Association also contributes aid to natural disaster relief efforts in Haiti, Indonesia, Japan, China and the Philippines.

I commend President William de la Pena for his leadership and contributions to this important organization, and I congratulate members of the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology Alumni Association Guam chapter for 20 years of dedicated service to our community. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend a heartfelt Thank You, Un Dangkulo' na Si Yu'os Ma'ase, and Maraming Salamat Po. I wish the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology Alumni Association Guam chapter many more years of continued growth and success in our island community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Gloria Camacho Borja Nelson, a dedicated educator, community advocate, and leader within the Democratic Party of Guam. She passed away on October 14, 2012.

Known affectionately as Lola to her family and friends, Gloria Nelson was born to Luis Quitugua Borja and Maria Camacho Borja on April 20, 1935, in Guam's capital city of Hagatna. She was only six years old when Imperial Japanese forces invaded Guam during World War II.

Although she was unable to begin her schooling until after the war, Gloria was determined to obtain an education and she completed her elementary and high school education in nine years, graduating from George Washington High School in 1955. She went on to receive an Associate of Arts Degree from the Territorial College of Guam, now the University of Guam, and obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from the Ohio State University.

While attending the Ohio State University, Lola met Ted S. Nelson whom she later married. Upon graduating from Ohio State, Ted and Lola attended the University of New Mexico, where they earned Masters of Arts degrees in Educational Administration and Supervision.

Lola dedicated much of her life to educating Guam's children. As a classroom teacher she was firm and instilled in her students not only academic knowledge, but also self-confidence, motivation, and a desire to give back to their community. She is remembered by many who she taught as an enthusiastic and energetic educator who contained a wealth of knowledge of the histories of Guam and Micronesia, and a teacher who dedicated herself to the needs of her students, even beyond the classroom.

Recognizing her commitment to education, Guam leaders frequently sought Lola's counsel in efforts to improve the island's school system. She was appointed a school principal, Associate Superintendent of Elementary Education, and Deputy Director of Education. In 1983, then- Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo called on Lola to serve as the Director of Education, a position she held for 56 months. Lola would continue her service to Guam's public school system as the chairperson of the Board of Education for three years.

Lola's devotion to the people of Guam extended beyond the classroom. She committed herself to many community organizations and gave freely of her time in service to those who needed it. She was elected president of Guam's Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, vice chair of the Latte of Freedom Foundation, president of the Guam Association of Retired Persons, GARP, chairperson of the Guam Election Commission, and most recently as the chair of the Democratic Party of Guam.

One of her most notable achievements came in her fight to recover unpaid Cost of Living Allowance, COLA, benefits to Guam retirees from the government of Guam. As a member of GARP, Lola, along with Mrs. Candelaria Rios, waged and won a legal battle that forced the government of Guam to retroactively pay COLA benefits to retirees that were not paid for 13 years. Because of her efforts in this battle, the retiree benefits became known as the ``Lola Cola.''

Lola will always be remembered for her warm, caring and compassionate concern for her island people. Her legacy and contributions to our community will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam. I will deeply miss my dear friend Gloria Camacho Borja Nelson. My prayers are with her husband, former Senator Ted S. Nelson and their children Gwendolyn and Raymond L.G. Taimanglo; Ted, Jr. and Stephanie C. Nelson; Glenn and AnnMarie F. Nelson; Rhonda and Manuel P. Calvo; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Federation of Asia-Pacific Women's Association (FAWA) for more than 50 years of exemplary service to our community. FAWA has strived to develop mutual cooperation and friendship through the advocacy of cultural ties among Asian and Pacific Islander women in our region since its origins with the General Federation of Women's Clubs and its founding in the Philippines in 1959.

FAWA seeks to improve the lives of members and their communities. Their motto, ``Asian Women United for Service'' describes their efforts to effect major changes in the status of women in Asia and to work towards a better life for the Asia-Pacific region. FAWA accomplishes this objective through promoting closer relations and joint efforts among Asians, particularly women, by fostering a mutual appreciation of cultural, moral and socio-economic values.

As an honorary president of FAWA, I am proud and excited to host this year's convention on Guam. This year's theme, ``Empowering Asia-Pacific Women Through Knowledge and Opportunities,'' is fitting, as this convention brings together women leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to share experiences and promote the continued growth and preservation of women's roles in the Asia-Pacific region. The conference will address issues affecting women in the modern world, including women and sustainability, women's health issues, and women and education. These sessions offer valuable networking opportunities for participants, and I encourage all attendees to take advantage of this unique group of leaders; to make valuable connections with other empowered women in our community.

I recognize the founders, Minerva G. Laudico and Geronima T. Pecson; this organization has carried on their vision and passion across generations and national boundaries. I am confident that their legacy of service will endure. I commend my fellow Honorary President Cecilia Y. Koo, Honorary Advisor Nancy C. Nee, FAWA President Kristal Koga, FAWA 1st Vice President Charlene Yang, FAWA 2nd Vice President Mei Woo, FAWA 3rd Vice President Jung Sook Kim, Convention Chair Sylvia Crafton, Convention Co-Chairs Nancy Tan and Denise Mendiola-Hertslet, and members of the FAWA Board of Executives and all the organizing members for their efforts in ensuring that this year's conference, like past events, will be a success. I congratulate the Federation of Asia- Pacific Women's Association for their dedication and contributions, and I look forward to the continued growth of this organization for many more years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Taiwan on the upcoming celebration of the 101st anniversary of ``Double Ten Day.'' Double Ten Day traces its roots to the Wuchang Uprising that occurred on October 10, 1911. The Wuchang Uprising signaled the end of the Qing Dynasty and the start of a democratic movement that we continue to celebrate and recognize. Double Ten Day is a celebration of the birth of democracy and the Republic of China.

I want to especially recognize the people of Taiwan on this important occasion. The strength of the relationship between the people of Taiwan and the people of the United States is strong and this is evidenced by the expansion of the U.S. visa waiver program to include Taiwan. Inclusion of Taiwan in the U.S. visa waiver program is a significant development in the relationship between both countries. This announcement will help to expand business opportunities as well as deepen our mutual appreciation for each other's unique cultures. Exchange of our cultures is clearly evidenced on Guam, which is home to many people of Chinese ancestry. Guam continues to benefit from their cultural contributions to our community and the promotion of trade and economic opportunities. I congratulate the people of Taiwan on the 101st anniversary of Double Ten Day. We celebrate this historic occasion with them and we honor their friendship with the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the athletes and members of the Guam National Olympic Committee's (GNOC) delegation to the Games of the 30th Olympiad in London, England. Since 1896, the Olympic Games have been the premier gathering for athletic competition throughout the world with more than 200 nations participating. Guam first participated in the Olympic Games in 1988 and has sent a delegation to every competition since then.

This year I am proud to recognize eight athletes who carry the distinguished honor of representing Guam in London. Our athletes are, Amy Atkinson, a runner competing in the women's 800 meter event; Ricardo Blas, Jr., a judoka competing in the men's +100 kilogram event; Christopher Duenas, a swimmer competing in the men's 100 meter freestyle event; Maria Dunn, a wrestler competing in the women's 63 kilogram freestyle event; Derek Horton, a cyclist competing in the men's cross-country mountain bike event; Derek Mandell, a runner and my former Assistant Press Secretary, competing in the men's 800 meter event; Benjamin Schulete, a swimmer competing in the men's 10 kilometer marathon event; and Pilar Shimizu, a swimmer competing in the women's 100 meter breaststroke event.

I commend each athlete for their dedication, passion, and sacrifice in preparing for their individual sporting events. Additionally, I acknowledge the support of their families, relatives, and friends in contributing to their successes as they represent our island and people.

I also commend the GNOC Executive Board Members, staff, and stakeholders for their efforts in preparing our athletes for this unique opportunity. I join our island in wishing Team Guam the best of luck and I look forward to their successes in this year's games.

Mr. Speaker, as a society we must work to ensure that lives of those who are unable to protect themselves are safeguarded; however elected leaders also have an obligation to ensure that laws which are passed, especially at the national level, allow for public input by the people they affect.

I strongly agree with the underlying intent of H.R. 3803, the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, to prevent the termination of lives of the most vulnerable in our society--that of unborn children. H.R. 3803 would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except when an acute physical condition endangers the life of the mother. The bill further requires that any termination of pregnancy be done in a manner that provides the best conditions for the unborn child to survive.

I am, however, concerned with the process used to develop and publicly debate the bill. Further, I am concerned about the impact it has on home rule for the District of Columbia. Congress has delegated much authority to the D.C. government to establish policies that reflect the needs of those who live here. But H.R. 3803, which only affects Washington, D.C., would implement this abortion ban without the input of D.C. residents and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton who represents the people of the District of Columbia in the United States Congress.

I believe that the United States should enact strong policies that recognize and protect the sanctity of human life. However if Congress wants to make meaningful progress to achieve this, legislation should consider the views of those impacted by the legislation and not ignore their points of view or concerns.

Mr. Speaker, the freedom to vote for our elected leaders is the very

heart of our democracy and the most basic of rights in our representative government. Unfortunately, several states across the nation have enacted laws that would impede the ability of millions of Americans across our country from exercising this right. Throughout the nation, including in my home district of Guam, many voters have lost faith in the integrity of the electoral process or become complacent that their vote is irrelevant.

In Guam, voter turnout has decreased significantly over the last several years and allegations of election misconduct have become common during every election cycle. Many of my constituents have been disenfranchised much in the same way as in some states trying to lower voter turnout. I have raised this issue with the Department of Justice, and I hope they will focus on this issue in every state and territory where efforts to disenfranchise voters are being made.

The free exercise of the right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy, and it ensures that government is accountable to and representative of the people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of my colleagues a very important matter that our military will soon face; the logistics of withdrawing our servicemembers and supplies from Afghanistan.

Some 90,000 servicemembers, 100,000 shipping containers and 50,000 vehicles will need to be transported out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014 when U.S. and NATO major combat operations come to an end. This accumulation has occurred over a decade and the logistics to drawdown will be monumental.

Adding to this challenge is the instability of what has been the primary transit route which relies on the cooperation of Pakistan. Pakistan only recently reopened the transit routes after having closed them in late 2011. We must have safe, reliable, and secure alternative ways to move our servicemembers and supplies.

Azerbaijan is one of several options that provides a reliable transit route for over 40% of non-munitions supplies to Afghanistan and with the announced closing of Transit Center at Manas (formerly Manas Air Base) in Kyrgyzstan, this route will be ever more important.

Azerbaijan has been a strategic partner and key ally in our efforts to combat global terrorism. Azerbaijan was among the first Muslim countries to send troops to Afghanistan and Iraq as well as provide flyover rights to our military.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Azerbaijan for their friendship and partnership. I hope we continue to work with Azerbaijan to make certain our servicemembers have a safe and secure route for the supplies they need for their well-being while we are still in Afghanistan. It is also essential that we continue to partner with Azerbaijan to ensure we have reliable ways to safely withdraw by the end of 2014.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1171, the Marine Debris Act Amendments of 2012. I want to commend my colleague and friend Congressman Sam Farr from California for introducing this legislation and continually working for its passage.

As a member of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, one of my top priorities was to take action on legislation to address our nation's ocean environment. I am pleased to say that this legislation, H.R. 1171, would continue to combat the adverse impacts of marine debris on the United States economy, the marine environment, and navigation safety through identification, determination of sources, assessment, prevention, reduction, and removal of marine debris.

This legislation will reauthorize NOAA's existing Marine Debris Program to support important projects throughout the country, including beach cleanups, derelict fishing gear location and removal, and educational campaigns. The program helps to identify, determine sources of, assess, prevent, reduce, and remove marine debris, with a focus on marine debris posing a threat to living marine resources and navigation safety. This reauthorizing language would serve to streamline these programs by avoiding any overlaps or conflicts with other federal agencies.

The legislation would help protect the environment and the economy of coastal communities throughout the Nation. Earlier this year, tsunami debris washed ashore the coasts of Oregon and Washington, calling attention to the need for a comprehensive plan to coordinate clean-up efforts. Indeed, the impacts of the March 2011 tsunami in Japan will continue to impact our shores over the coming months and years and this bill gives us the tools to respond to this situation. In particular, Guam would greatly benefit from the passage of the Marine Debris Act Amendments of 2012 as it would give states and local communities the additional tools needed to effectively care for our marine environments and wildlife.

Again, I applaud Representative Farr for introducing this legislation. I thank Chairman Mica, Chairman Hastings, Ranking Member Rahall and Ranking Member Markey for their leadership in bringing this important bill which enhances our understanding of the marine environment to the House floor. I encourage my colleagues to continue supporting this important legislation that addresses one of the most serious threats to our oceans today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4348, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP- 21). This bill significantly cuts critical federal investment in surface transportation projects for the territories. The authorized funds for the next two fiscal years would severely undermine my district's ability to improve and upgrade road systems on Guam and put current projects at risk.

MAP-21 cuts 20 percent from the Territorial Highway Program (THP), which was established to assist Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands build and improve main and secondary highway systems. The program is critical to ensuring that our districts have a quality highway system that facilitates commerce in the territories. The territories have received funding that does match their current upgrade and modernization requirements. The cuts to the THP will hinder our district's ability to meet these requirements over the next two years. The proposed cut to this program, about $8 million for Guam over the next two years, could jeopardize financiering for larger projects utilizing GARVEE financing. The GARVEE financing mechanism and current bonds assumed level funding of the THP over the next several years. Ultimately, this bill may lead to project cancellations and job losses.

Even at current funding levels, the THP is inadequate in addressing the needs of the territories, and the governments in the territories do not have access to many programs available to the 50 states and Puerto Rico. I introduced legislation that would put the territories on equal footing when competing for federal highway discretionary grant programs. Further, I offered the text of my bill for consideration as Conference Committee commenced but the text of this legislation was not included in the final bill. On top of crippling cuts to the THP, the territories are not even afforded opportunities to compete for other discretionary programs like the Innovative Bridge Research and Deployment program. My bill, H.R. 2743 would permit the Secretary of Transportation to make the territories eligible for this competitive funding to the territories and remedies a disparity where our governments are unable to even compete for this program.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 4348 will likely have a detrimental effect on my constituents and would significantly undercut our ability to improve our roadways and invest in critical infrastructure improvements. Guam is being asked to support one of the largest military realignments in our nation's history and our island is in critical need of assistance to improve our roadways to support the military buildup. Cutting 20 percent from the THP would provide nominal short-term savings but it would cost significantly more in the long-term.

However, I am very supportive of the efforts of House and Senate leaders who reached agreement to freeze student loan rates for an additional year. Increases in student loan rates would have had a significant negative impact on a generation that is already competing with the most difficult job market in generations. Keeping student loan interest loans for an additional year keeps our commitment to our younger generations.

It is unfortunate that this compromise on student loans is attached to the transportation reauthorization as I strongly opposed to the cuts to the THP and, as such, urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4348, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP- 21). This bill significantly cuts critical federal investment in surface transportation projects for the territories. The authorized funds for the next two fiscal years would severely undermine my district's ability to improve and upgrade road systems on Guam and put current projects at risk.

MAP-21 cuts 20% from the Territorial Highway Program (THP), which was established to assist Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands build and improve main and secondary highway systems. The program is critical to ensuring that our districts have a quality highway system that facilitates commerce in the territories. The territories have received funding that does match their current upgrade and modernization requirements. The cuts to the THP will hinder our district's ability to meet these requirements over the next two years. The proposed cut to this program, about $8 million for Guam over the next two years, could jeopardize financiering for larger projects utilizing TIFIA financing. The TIFIA financing mechanism and current bonds assumed level funding of the THP over the next several years. Ultimately, this bill may lead to project cancellations and job losses.

Even at current funding levels, the THP is inadequate in addressing the needs of the territories, and the governments in the territories do not have access to many programs available to the 50 states and Puerto Rico. I introduced legislation that would put the territories on equal footing when competing for federal highway discretionary grant programs. Further, I offered the text of my bill for consideration as Conference Committee commenced but the text of this legislation was not included in the final bill. On top of crippling cuts to the THP, the territories are not even afforded opportunities to compete for other discretionary programs like the Innovative Bridge Research and Deployment program. My bill, H.R. 2743 would permit the Secretary of Transportation to make the territories eligible for this competitive funding to the territories, and remedies a disparity where our governments are unable to even compete for this program.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 4348 will likely have a detrimental effect on my constituents and would significantly undercut our ability to improve our roadways and invest in critical infrastructure improvements. Guam is being asked to support one of the largest military realignments in our nation's history and our island is in critical need of assistance to improve our roadways to support the military buildup. Cutting 20% from the THP would provide nominal short-term savings but it would cost significantly more in the long-term.

However, I am very supportive of the efforts of House and Senate leaders who reached agreement to freeze student loan rates for an additional year. Increases in student loan rates would have had a significant negative impact on a generation that is already competing with the most difficult job market in generations. Keeping student loan interest loans for an additional year keeps our commitment to our younger generations.

It is unfortunate that this compromise on student loans is attached to the transportation reauthorization as I am strongly opposed to the cuts to the THP and, as such, urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I oppose amendment No. 11. It would delay research and development funding for the NextGen bomber. The bomber is critical to replacing an aging fleet. The new bomber is needed so we don't raid our readiness accounts.

This is about the bomber carrying nuclear weapons. It does a lot more than just carry nukes. It deters aggressors and even provides maritime surveillance, especially in the Asia-Pacific area. Congress opposed a similar amendment last year and, as cochair of the Long Range Strike Caucus, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment again this year.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition of Mr. Gallegly's Amendment #15 to H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013.

The Fish and Wildlife Service and the Navy have a long track record of working together on otter conservation through the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan. The Navy activities have not lead to the harassment of otters off the coast of California, so the provisions to continue Naval exemptions from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) should be preserved in H.R. 4043.

This amendment takes the necessary step of extending the Navy's exemption allowing ongoing military operations. However, I do not believe that we should be using our Nation's military readiness as a cover for establishing regulations that only benefits a special interest group. I have serious concerns with the broad exemptions for fishermen included in this amendment. Fishermen working south of Point Conception, California would be given incidental take exemptions from the ESA and MMPA indefinitely. This would remove any ability of the Fish and Wildlife Service or any other agency to address problems that may arise with otter recovery as a result of interaction with fisheries. ESA and MMPA exemptions for specific industries undermine the principles of management based on sound science under these statutes and set a dangerous precedent of Congressional micromanagement for political reasons.

The Navy has agreed to continue the management of the sea otters on these installations, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior. Mr. Schregardus, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Navy on Environment, testifying before the Fisheries and Oceans Subcommittee, specified that the further provisions have no relevancy to military readiness operations in the region. None of the witnesses present at the hearing could identify how the management actions specified in subsection (g) had any impact on military readiness. Additionally, we have heard testimony from scientists that indicate the concerns for the ongoing viability of the California shellfish industry do not rest on the shoulders of sea otters. Commercial over-harvest and withering disease are the primary culprits to the decline of endangered abalone species. The presence of sea otters and related improvement to the nearshore kelp forest ecosystems can actually benefit abalone.

Southern sea otters are recovering from the devastating fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, which almost eliminated them completely. The nearly 2,800 otters that live in the region today have grown from just over 40 individuals that remained on the California coast in the 1930s.

While the population is growing, the recovery of this species is extremely slow. It is very important that our legislative actions do not reverse past conservation successes that have developed as a result of collaboration between the Navy, the Fish and Wildlife Service and other scientists and stakeholders.

I urge adoption of only the naval provisions in this amendment, which would address the national security needs of the nation without compromising the recovery of the southern sea otter.