Floor Statements

Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Madam Chairman, I will not be offering my amendment No. 487 in the Congressional Record. It would restore funding to the Assistance to Territories Account under U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs to fiscal year 2008 levels. The 7 percent reduction in funding offered by the Republican majority would cut necessary assistance to the governments of Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The U.S. territories are provided assistance through the Office of Insular Affairs, and the financial assistance provided by the account to be cut has allowed our governments to fund disaster mitigation programs, coral reef conservation initiatives, infrastructure repairs, and environmental preservation. In fact, Madam Chairman, the Constitution under article IV, section 3, clause 2 gives this Congress explicit authority: ``The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States.''

While this impacts all territories, on Guam, in particular, funding from the OIA has been critical to the mitigation of invasive species, management of coral reef conservation programs, technical assistance to modernize and develop our port which provides direct economic benefit as well as assistance in modernizing our tax collection and our auditing systems. If my colleagues on the other side want to help diversify and develop the economies of the territories, then it is essential that we continue to provide this technical assistance in a targeted fashion, as is done now, to jump-start that development process.

My colleagues from the U.S. territories, Mr. Faleomavaega, Mr. Pierluisi, Mrs. Christensen, and Mr. Sablan, all agree that this funding cut is yet another example of the majority's lack of concern for the over 4 million residents of the U.S. territories. While the majority's removal of our symbolic voting rights at the beginning of the 112th Congress did not affect the livelihoods of our constituents, this funding cut would tangibly result in a reduction of public service in each of our districts, and I oppose the Republicans' continued neglect of our local governments in the territories.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Offered By: Ms. Bordallo

Amendment No. 486: Page 198, line 7, after the dollar

amount insert ``(reduced by $29,000,000)''.

Page 201, line 12, after the dollar amount insert

``(increased by $29,000,000)''.

Offered By: Ms. Bordallo

Amendment No. 487: Page 264, line 23, after the dollar

amount insert ``(reduced by $6,679,000)''.

Page 271, line 6, after the dollar amount insert

``(increased by $6,679,000)''.

Offered By: Ms. Bordallo

Amendment No. 488: Page 346, line16, strike ``and''.

Page 346, line 18, before the period, insert ``; and of

which $24,000,000 shall be for the ground-based augmentation

system of the NextGen air traffic control system''.

Offered By: Ms. Bordallo

Amendment No. 522: Page 173, line 20, after the dollar

amount, insert ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.

Page 172, line 4, after the dollar amount, insert

``(increased by $5,000,000)''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Cyril ``Cy'' John O'Brien, a veteran of the Second World War and Captain in the United States Marine Corps, for his dedication and service to our community and country. Cy passed away on January 31, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. As we mourn his loss, we recognize him for his contributions to our community.

Cy was born in Newfoundland, Canada in 1919 and graduated from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in June of 1942. One month later he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the 3rd Marine Division during World War II and served as a Combat Correspondent in Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. His coverage of the Liberation of Guam, the bravery of American Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen, and the experiences of war survivors during the Liberation provided Americans with a unique perspective of Guam's Liberation for all who study the history of the Second World War in the Pacific.

Following his return from duty during the Second World War, Cy worked as a Washington correspondent for several New Jersey-based newspapers. He covered matters pertaining to Capitol Hill, writing stories on the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He went on to work at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and served as its Director of Media Affairs until his retirement in 1983.

Cy is the author of ``Liberation,'' which chronicles the 3rd Marine Division's recapture of Guam during the summer of 1944, and was published by the Marine Corps Historical Center. Cy was also a founding member of the 3rd Marine Division Association. Additionally, he has returned to Guam on many occasions to join the people of Guam in celebrating and recognizing the importance of our Liberation Day. He has remained true to his Chamorro friends and worked hard to educate Members of Congress and Senators on the importance of Guam War Claims.

Cy will be remembered by his four children--Tony, Bridget, Johnine, and Patsy--as well as many loved ones and friends. I offer my condolences, sympathies, and prayers to his family and all who knew him. On behalf of the people of Guam, I express a sincere Un dangkulo na si Yu'os Ma'ase for his service and sacrifice to our island. He will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Donald Ian Marshall who passed away on January 8, 2011. Don played a major role in the post-World War II recovery and economic development of Guam. He was an important business and community leader in Guam and around the Asia-Pacific region. As we mourn his loss we recognize his contributions to our community.

Don was born in Manila on December 23, 1928, to John and Helen Marshall. John Marshall was a pre-World War II manager of Luzon Stevedoring Company (LUSTEVECO). LUSTEVECO was founded by a group of Spanish-American War veterans in 1909 and grew into the largest cargo handling transportation service in the Philippines. Following in his father's footsteps, Don began work for LUSTEVECO after his graduation from the Stanford University School of Business in 1950. Don first came to Guam in 1951 to manage the build-up of Navy facilities, and in 1963, Don Marshall assumed the presidency of LUSTEVECO.

Upon arriving to Guam in 1951, Don Marshall spearheaded the recruitment of thousands of skilled workers on Guam. He directed the construction of Camp Roxas to ensure an acceptable quality of life for the workers who were so far from home. Camp Roxas developed into a model village complete with clean and comfortable Quonset hut barracks, a medical dispensary to provide non-emergency, non-acute health care, Guam's first lighted baseball field, a professional sized and lighted tennis court, an outdoor theater, a bakery, a full service cafeteria and galley, and a Catholic chapel led by a Filipino priest. Sports competition between Camp Roxas, the civilian community, and military commands were encouraged, and teams from Camp Roxas competed very successfully with teams from all over the island. While Camp Roxas has outlived its purpose and is now part of Navy Base Guam, the two villages of Agat and Santa Rita are home to many of the workers and their descendents brought to Guam at the promise of opportunity.

Don Marshall's contributions to Guam were not restricted to the success of Camp Roxas. Don continued to involve himself in Guam's economic development. In 1972, he formed Cabras Marine Corporation to supply tugboat and harbor pilot services to commercial and military vessels. Don originally started with two reconditioned Navy tugs, The Husky and The Grunt, and today operates four tugboats as well as a freighter service between Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Pacific Islands surrounding Guam.

My husband, the late governor of Guam Ricardo J. Bordallo, and I have known Don Marshall since the early 1960s. He has been a dear friend who always took the time to visit my family. Many on Guam will miss his outgoing personality and the assistance that he was always willing to lend to community projects.

I would like to offer my condolences, sympathy and prayers to his wife, Sally Mae, his daughter, Terry, his sons John, Robert and William, his grandchildren, and the thousands of people whose lives he touched over the years. He will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution today and to honor the six individuals who lost their lives; and my friend and my colleague, Gabby Giffords, who is currently fighting for her life; and the 13 other wounded victims of Saturday's tragic shooting in Tucson. Gabe Zimmerman, Federal Judge John Roll, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and the innocent 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, all who passed away on Saturday in such a senseless act of violence that was a direct attack on our democracy.

Being the extraordinary public servant she is, Gabby had taken her first opportunity in the 112th Congress to organize an event to learn of her constituents' concerns and their hopes. The victims had all peacefully gathered at a local mall to participate in the democratic process. The basic exercise of democracy was interrupted by a disturbed individual bent on anger at the system. This needless and despicable act of violence has no place in

our society and should give us all cause to reflect on the level of political discourse in this country.

But while we recognize the tragedy that occurred and pray for the quick recovery of those injured and those who died, let us not overlook the many acts of bravery and heroism on Saturday.

As we piece together the events of last Saturday, my thoughts and prayers go out to Gabby and the others who have been killed or injured. Let this tragic event serve as a reminder of the obligation that we have as elected Representatives of the people to be responsible in our leadership and be careful of the words that we choose.

I will keep the victims and their families in my thoughts and prayers, and I know that all of my colleagues will do so as well.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend General Carroll ``Howie'' Chandler for his distinguished 36 years of service and commitment to the United States Air Force. General Chandler has dedicated his life to the service of this great Nation and I appreciate his leadership efforts with the Air Force particularly in the Pacific area of responsibility.

I had the privilege of working with General Chandler on several initiatives that directly improved the quality of lives of our men and women in uniform on Guam and the Western Pacific. He was instrumental in ensuring the Administration budgeted for several key military construction projects on Guam that directly improved the quality of life for airmen at Andersen Air Force Base. His directive to renovate Building 21000 on Andersen Air Force Base will be critical to more effectively and efficiently using space and facilities to meet mission requirements.

Further, I particularly appreciated General Chandler's leadership in granting local base commanders with the authority and flexibility to address a variety of local issues. Chief among those issues was resolution of access for landlocked private property landowners in northern Guam. General Chandler recognized the importance of empowering local commanders on the ground to identify solutions to longstanding problems that go a long way towards improving the civilian and military community relationship on Guam. He recognized the importance of working together as a key to strengthening bonds in the community.

General Chandler also recognized Guam's strategic importance to our Nation's defense. As Commander of Pacific Air Forces and then as Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, General Chandler has consistently demonstrated through allocation of resources that Guam and Andersen Air Force Base remain vital to the protection of our national interests and stability, through force projection, in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr. Speaker, General Chandler has demonstrated exceptional meritorious service during his career with the United States Air Force and has become a distinguished leader to airmen stationed on Guam, Guam Air Guardsmen, indeed all airmen and women across this country. I wish the very best to General Chandler; his wife Eva-Marie; and their three children, Carl, Rose-Marie, and Thomas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution introduced by my good friend and colleague, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland that would restore the voting rights for the Delegates and Resident Commissioner during Committee of the Whole proceedings during the 112th Congress.

As I stated yesterday, the rules for the 112th Congress leave this body less transparent and less responsive to our constituents. Eliminating the right for Delegates and the Resident Commissioner to vote in the Committee of the Whole deprives our constituents with the understanding of how we stand on important issues. The fact that our vote in the Committee of the Whole is symbolic is further evidence of why such a right does not diminish the role of other Members of the House of Representatives; in fact, allowing us the right to a symbolic vote enhances long-cherished values of this body.

Moreover, affording us the right to vote in the Committee of the Whole ensures that equities of our constituents are covered in legislation that is pending or being debated by this body. In June 2009 the House of Representatives debated and voted on H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009. The bill contained language that allowed the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay to any of the territories and it did not provide the Governor of each respective territory with the right to be notified of any such transfer. Our right to vote in the Committee of the Whole afforded us the opportunity to raise this matter before the entire body and subsequent legislation that contained such transfer prohibition language did expressly include the territories. Our right to vote in the Committee of the Whole afforded us all the ability to represent the interests of our respective territories. Our voice was heard and changes were made.

Many men and women in uniform come from the territories and the District of Columbia. Many have sacrificed for our country, and, in fact, the per capita rate of deaths for servicemembers from the territories is higher than most states. Yet despite the patriotism and service that men and women from the territories show, the new leadership of the House of Representatives saw it fit to take away one of our most basic rights--the right to vote and effectively represent the needs of our constituents.

I also enter into the Record letters the Delegates and the Resident Commissioner sent to the leaders requesting an opportunity to address this rules change prior to the convening of the 112th Congress. Regrettably, the opportunity to address this matter prior to yesterday's convening was not presented. Therefore, and based on the action taken yesterday, I stand in support of the resolution introduced today by Mr. Hoyer and hope that it will be brought to the floor for a vote in the near future.

Congress of the United States,

Washington, DC, December 22, 2010.

Hon. John A. Boehner,

Speaker-designate, House of Representatives, The Capitol,

Washington, DC.

Dear Speaker-designate Boehner: Now that a summary of

proposed Rules for the 112th Congress is circulating and we

find that the rule enabling the Delegates and Resident

Commissioner to vote in the Committee of the Whole is slated

for elimination, we write to express our concern and renew

our request for a meeting with you to discuss this matter

prior to January 5, 2011.

You will no doubt recall that we wrote last month to urge

retention of this rule. We reiterate that this symbolic

exercise of our country's democratic principles has great

meaning to our more than four million constituents, who fight

and die alongside their fellow Americans residing in the 50

States to secure the right to vote for people residing in

such distant lands as Iraq and Afghanistan.

While this issue has been viewed through a partisan lens in

the past, largely because none of us is a member of the

Republican Conference, we respectfully submit that this fact

should not be used to preclude us front exercising this most

fundamental function of representative democracies,

especially through a procedure which by its design can never

be determinative of any vote.

Therefore, we ask that you retain this existing rule in the

Rules package your Conference is preparing for adoption on

opening day of the 112th Congress. Thank you in advance for

your attention to this matter. We look forward to continuing

to work with you on behalf of our constituents, your fellow

Americans residing in the U.S. territories.

Sincerely,

Pedro R. Pierluisi.

Madeleine Z. Bordallo.

Eni F.H. Faleomavaega.

Donna M. Christensen.

Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan.

Mr. Speaker, today I have introduced H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, a bill that would implement the findings of the Guam War Claims Review Commission. Since being elected to the House of Representatives 8 years ago, I have introduced a version of this legislation in each Congress. Last Congress, this bill titled H.R. 44 passed the House on four separate occasions, once as standalone legislation and three times as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Acts.

This bill would implement the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission, which was appointed by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and established by an Act of the 107th Congress (Public Law 107-333). The Review Commission, in a unanimous report to Congress in June 2004, found that there were significant disparities in the treatment of war claims for the people of Guam as compared with war claims for other Americans. The Review Commission also found that the occupation of Guam was especially brutal due to the unfailing loyalty of the people of Guam to the United States of America. The people of Guam were subjected to forced labor, forced marches, internment, beatings, rapes and executions, including public beheadings. The Review Commission recommended that Congress remedy this injustice through the enactment of legislation to authorize payment of claims in amounts specified. Specifically, the bill would authorize discretionary spending to pay claims consistent with the recommendations of the commission.

It is important to note that the Review Commission found that the United States Government seized Japanese assets during the war and that the record shows that settlement of claims was meant to be paid from these forfeitures. Furthermore, the United States signed a Treaty of Peace with Japan on September 8, 1951, which precludes Americans from making claims against Japan for war reparations. The treaty closed any legal mechanism for seeking redress from the Government of Japan, and the United States Government has settled claims for U.S. citizens and other nationals through various claims programs authorized by Congress.

The House of Representatives has continually been supportive of this legislation, passing the bill with bi-partisan support in 110th and 111th Congresses. The issue continues to stall in the Senate despite support from the administration and supportive Senators. In the 111th session of Congress, I worked to add the text of H.R. 44 to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2010. This was unsuccessful because of the objections of Senators regarding the precedent that this legislation may establish notwithstanding the findings of the Guam War Claims Review Commission, which found that no new precedent was being made and that its recommendations were based on similar claims programs for similar circumstances. However, as a compromise, report language was added to the final statement of managers which called for additional hearings to review Guam War Claims matter in the 2nd Session of the 111th Congress. The House Armed Services Committee upheld its commitment and held a hearing on December 2, 2009 to further investigate the purpose and need for enacting H.R. 44. Last year, I worked again to include compromise language for H.R. 44 in National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2011. Given the time constraints for floor time at the end of the session, the Guam War Claims provision had to be removed by the Senate in order for the final defense authorization bill to pass by unanimous consent in the Senate.

However, during negotiations on the defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2011 there was agreement that payment of claims to descendants of survivors of the Japanese occupation who suffered personal injury should be removed from the legislation. I accepted this compromise because I felt it was important to bring closure to this issue and that the objections to this provision by some Senators cannot be overcome at this time. As such, the bill I introduce today is compromise language that removes such claims payments and reflects the agreed upon compromise reached during negotiations on last year's defense authorization bill.

Congressional passage of this bill this Congress has a direct impact on the future success of the military build-up. The need for Guam War Claims was brought about because of mishandling of war claims immediately following World War II by the Department of the Navy. The long-standing inequity with how Guam was treated for war reparations lingers today. If we do not bring this matter to a close I believe that support for the military build-up will erode and impact the readiness of our forces and the bilateral relationship with Japan.

Mr. Speaker, resolving this issue is a matter of justice. This carefully crafted compromise legislation addresses the concerns of several Senators, and has the approval of both Senator John McCain and Senator Carl Levin. This bill represents a unique opportunity to right a wrong because many of the survivors of the occupation are nearing the end of their lives. It is important that the Congress act on the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission to finally resolve this longstanding injustice for the people of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, the Republican rules package makes this body less transparent and less responsive to the American people. By obligating the Delegates to take public stands, our limited vote showed our constituents where we stood on important issues. Our vote also helped ensure legislation considered by the House took our constituents into account. When an amendment came forward last Congress regarding the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo into the U.S., the territories were initially excluded from the prohibition. Our vote compelled the House to address our concerns. This is precisely how representative democracy is meant to work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary service of Sanctuary, Inc., a community based non-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life for Guam's families and youth. Through their 24-hour crisis intervention, Sanctuary promotes mediation services during times of family conflicts while also providing temporary safe refuge to youth in need of further supportive counseling. In addition, Sanctuary fosters the development of responsible community members and assists in preserving and promoting family unity through their outreach, education and prevention programs.

Founded in 1971 by Father Robert Phelps and Mr. Luis Martinez, with the goal of creating a safe refuge for Guam's youth, Sanctuary originated in southern Guam, with seven families volunteering their time and homes to provide temporary housing to troubled youth who are not suitable for youth correctional facilities. Sanctuary has since relocated to central Guam and now provides shelter and services at three dedicated buildings: an emergency shelter, a transitional living program, and substance abuse program. They have made tremendous strides over the years and annually provide safe haven for over 300 youth and also provide assistance through outreach and prevention programs to over 3,000 troubled teens. These services and programs, such as alcohol and drug treatment programs, provide safe alternatives to detention or youth correctional facilities and are instrumental in helping troubled youth turn their lives around and contribute to society.

It is on the occasion of Sanctuary's 39th anniversary that I join our community in commending their humanitarian services and outreach efforts in helping Guam's youth. I commend the efforts of Interim Executive Director, Millie Lujan; Staff members and Volunteers who have dedicated and contributed their time over the past 39 years and I look forward to many more years of continued service by Sanctuary Guam.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of United States Army Private First Class Jaysine P.S. Petree. PFC Petree was assigned to the 109th Transportation Company, 17th Combat Sustainment Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Fort Richardson, Alaska. On September 24, 2010, PFC Petree passed away in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. She was 19 years old.

Known by her friends as ``Jen'', PFC Petree was born in the Philippines and moved to Guam in 2002. PFC Petree attended Simon Sanchez High School in Yigo, Guam, where she excelled in both academics and interscholastic sports. Shortly after her graduation in 2009, PFC Petree enlisted in the U.S. Army, and on September 24, 2010, she made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our Nation's freedom in support of combat operations in Afghanistan. I join our community in mourning the loss of PFC Petree and I offer my most sincere condolences to her parents, Herbert and Jayne Sucgang Petree, and to her many family and friends. We are eternally grateful for her service and will never forget the sacrifices of PFC Petree.

May God bless the family and friends of PFC Jaysine P.S. Petree, God bless Guam, and God bless the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, reserving the right to object, I take this moment to express great disappointment at the situation the House now finds itself. It is very unfortunate that before us is an amended version of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011.

Last night, the other body struck title XVII of the version of the bill that this House passed last Friday, December 17. Title XVII, Madam Speaker, was the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, which the House has passed on multiple occasions with strong bipartisan support. Several Senators objected to its inclusion in the bill. They expressed concerns over its budgetary impact, and indicated a willingness to work toward identifying an acceptable way to authorize and pay the claims.

I regret the inability to resolve this matter at this time, and I am very appreciative of the strong support from Chairman Skelton and incoming chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mr. McKeon of California for their strong support of this provision. The unresolved nature of Guam war claims has serious implications for the military build-up on Guam. I appreciate the administration's strong support for this provision. The administration recognizes the connection between resolving this issue and successfully implementing the military build- up on Guam.

We will continue our work to bring closure to this matter of justice for the people of Guam, and to act on the legislative recommendations of the Federal Guam War Claims Review Commission that reported to Congress pursuant to Public Law 107-333. It was not for a lack of effort from this body, and we will continue to build on the progress we've made. The underlying bill is important for our national defense and for our men and women in uniform and their families, and therefore this body is left no other choice but than to concur with the Senate amendments at this time.

Again, I want to thank everyone who has assisted me, both the leaders and to the multiple staff members who have helped us through this process.

Madam Speaker, I withdraw my reservation.