Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Arthur F. Mesa for his years of civic engagement, leadership and advocacy for Guam's veterans. Mr. Mesa, known to his family and friends as ``Art,'' is Editor and Publisher of the Guam Veterans News, host of K-57's radio show, ``Vet Talk,'' and was recently named the U.S. Small Business Administration's ``Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year for 2010.''

Art served in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971 as a member of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division. He is a 35-year resident of Guam. Following his service in the U.S. Army, Art worked in sales and in 1985, founded Independent Trading Company trading food products, appliances, and construction materials from the mainland to Guam and Micronesia. From 1989 to 1996, Art opened and operated Eagle Freight Services--which provided air freight services through five offices from Guam to the Midwest United States. From 1999 to 2006, Art co-founded and managed Auto Services 2000.

Art has become a prominent figure in our community and serves as a Board Member for the Pacific Island Microcredit Institute, an organization that provides microloans to veterans and individuals at poverty level seeking self sufficiency and business opportunities. A strong and dynamic advocate for Guam's veterans' community, Art volunteers his time to educate veterans on a variety of issues including programs, benefits, health care, legal rights and national representation.

Art's involvement in the veteran community has been recognized by various organizations. Art served as the Master of Ceremonies for Guam's Annual Veterans Day Memorial Program in 2009 and was a recipient of the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay's ``Service Above Self Award'' for his commitment to our island's veterans. An avid motorcycle rider, Art is a member of the Guam Veterans Harley Davidson Organization, which provides motorcade escorts for funerals of fallen soldiers and conducts other philanthropic activities such as distributing holiday treats to children on Guam during their annual Christmas motorcades.

It is on the occasion of his recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration as their Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year for 2010, that I join the people of Guam to acknowledge him for his service and his commitment to our veteran community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Linda Tung for her entrepreneurial leadership and mentorship in the women's business community on Guam. Ms. Tung is the President and Founder of GIT International Tours and was recently named the U.S. Small Business Administration's Women in Business Champion of the Year for 2010.

Linda was born and raised in Taiwan and is fluent in English, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese. Following her graduation from high school in 1966, she began working for a number of leading in-bound travel agencies in Taipei.

Linda married Dr. Frank C. Tung in 1976 and after traveling throughout the United States for educational opportunities, the couple settled on Guam in 1985. Since that time, Linda served as Guam Operations Manager of Japan Travel Land and established GIT International Tours, Inc. Since its inception, GIT Tours has successfully provided various services to more than 320,000 visitors from Taiwan (R.O.C.), Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Honcho, Liaoning and the Philippines.

Linda's thirty years of experience have proved invaluable as Chairwoman of the Tourism Committee of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam. She works in partnership with members of the Guam Visitors Bureau,

the Office of the Governor of Guam, Government of Guam agencies, Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association, Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam and United Chinese Association of Guam, as well as numerous agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to promote Guam as a premier, family-oriented tourist destination in the Western Pacific.

Linda often volunteers to help aspiring entrepreneurs on Guam. In addition, Linda has created opportunities for her female employees to engage in in-house cross-training to develop their leadership skills and expertise in all facets of the tour business. A number of her former female employees have continued to pursue their education and other career opportunities and are now recognized as leaders in their respective communities. As a mentor for women in the business community, Linda is a sounding board and colleague for many women seeking to emulate her success.

It is on the occasion of her recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration as their Women in Business Champion of the Year for 2010, that I join the people of Guam to acknowledge her service and outstanding leadership in our business community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Fong S. Wu for his years of community involvement and service on Guam. Mr. Wu is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sunny Plastic (Guam) Inc. and Pacific Sunny Group of Companies. He was recently named the U.S. Small Business Administration's ``Person of the Year'' for 2010.

Fong is currently the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of LTA, LLC., and is responsible for corporate planning and the operation of Ladera Towers, a luxury hotel/condominium. He is also Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of PacSun Investments, responsible for all strategic initiatives of its real estate investment projects. In addition, Fong is Managing Partner of Pago Bay Resort, LLC.

Raised on the island of Guam, Fong is a valuable member of our community and is an officer and founding member of Guam's Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as the Chairman for the Guam Chinese School Foundation, President of the Chinese School Board of Guam and President and member of the Board of the United Chinese Association of Guam. Fong has held public office as Secretary and member of the Board of Directors for the Guam Economic Development Authority, as well as the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commissioner of the Republic of China. He was appointed by Governor Felix Camacho of Guam as an Ambassador of Goodwill to foster better economic ties between Guam and Taiwan.

Fong strives for excellence in business and in all aspects of life. He has taken a leadership role in fundraising, contributing time and energy towards various non-profit and community organizations. His service spans a wide range of organizations including the American Red Cross, Make a Wish Foundation, Fo Guan Shan Temple, University of Guam Endowment Foundation, University of Guam Board of Regents, Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteer Association, Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association, Guam Visitors Bureau, Filipino Community of Guam, Korean Ladies' Association of Guam, Rotary of Guam Sunrise, International Women's Club of Guam, and the Guam Society of America among others.

It is on the occasion of his recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Person of the Year for 2010, that I join the people of Guam to acknowledge him for his commendable service and leadership in our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Keven Camacho for his community engagement, support, and assistance for small business owners on Guam. As the Vice President/Northern Regional Manager for the Bank of Guam, Mr. Camacho was recently named the Guam Small Business Administration's Financial Services Champion of the Year for 2010.

Keven earned his degree in Finance from Arizona State University in 1996 and soon began his career as a Management Trainee with the Bank of Guam. In 1997, Keven was promoted to Credits Officer, specializing in consumer loans and real estate. Continuing his advancement with the Bank of Guam, he was promoted as Branch Manager of their Tumon, Belau and Mangilao Branches. He later graduated in 2003 from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington, completing an intensive two-year Masters-level extension program for senior officers in the banking industry. Additionally, Keven received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Guam in 2006.

In his current role, Keven assists small businesses in our community in identifying opportunities for growth. Over his 13-year career with the Bank of Guam, Keven's hard work and dedication have helped to advance the interests of small businesses on Guam.

Keven uses his education and years of experience to serve our community by providing assistance with the grant funded Guam Options for Alternative Loans for Assistive Technology (GOAL-AT) and Get Guam Teleworking (GGT) programs. These programs provide loans to individuals with disabilities to assist them with starting home-based businesses. Keven not only provides technical assistance to these organizations but assists in outreach and presentations to various disability and senior citizen events, educating them about these programs, resources and the loan process. Keven also serves on the board of the Felix M. Camacho and Carlos G. Camacho Scholarship, a non-profit organization that offers up to four $1,000 scholarships annually to qualified participants. Keven's business background, professional advocacy, and his outstanding spirit of community, are, and will continue to be, valuable assets to our island community.

It is on the occasion of his recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Financial Services Champion of the Year for 2010, that I join the people of Guam in acknowledging his service and outstanding leadership in our community.

Mr. Chair, I was absent from the Chamber today, Thursday, April 15, 2010, due to the travel schedule for my return to my district on account of official business. Had I been present for the rollcall votes taken today in the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union on the amendments that were offered to H.R. 4715, the Clean Estuaries Act of 2010, I would have voted as follows: ``aye'' on the amendment offered by Ms. Shea-Porter of New Hampshire (rollcall vote 207).

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary community service and leadership of Rear Admiral Douglass T. Biesel, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas; and Commander, Joint Region Marianas. RDML Biesel has been an outstanding leader for the men and women under his command and he has encouraged his troops to be active in our community. RDML Biesel has been a supporter of programs that enhance and promote the Chamorro culture on Guam, and he recently directed the transfer of two historic Latte Stones from the headquarters of Joint Region Marianas to the Governor's Complex in Adelup, Guam. The Latte Stone is an important symbol of Chamorro identity in Guam and the Marianas and represents the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of our islands. RDML Biesel's efforts to return these ancient symbols of Chamorro culture to the people of Guam are sincerely appreciated by the Chamorro people and our whole community.

RDML Biesel is from Coudersport, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Newtown, Connecticut. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1980, RDML Biesel was assigned to serve as Commander of Joint Region Marianas in Guam in May 2009 and was reassigned to serve as Commander of Navy Region Northwest in Silverdale, Washington in March 2010. It is on the occasion of Rear Admiral Biesel's departure from Joint Region Marianas that I join the people of Guam in acknowledging his leadership, outstanding contributions to our community and cultural awareness.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 925) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the meritorious service performed by aviators in the United States Armed Forces who were shot down over, or otherwise forced to land in, hostile territory yet evaded enemy capture or were captured but subsequently escaped, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

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

I rise in support of House Resolution 925, which recognizes aviators in the United States Armed Forces who were forced to evade or escape enemy capture, were captured but subsequently escaped, or were compelled to endure arduous confinement, retaliation, and even death as a result of their efforts to evade capture or escape. I want to thank my colleague from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) for introducing this measure.

As a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, I am honored to recognize the aviators of the Armed Forces who have valiantly served the United States in every major conflict during the 20th and 21st century. Aviators, including pilots, navigators, bombardiers, weapons control officers, and other aircraft crew members, with fierce courage and distinction face the threat of being forced down each time they take to the skies.

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 925 recognizes those downed aviators that have not only miraculously survived unexpected flight termination, but also have confronted additional dangers escaping or attempting to escape enemy capture on the ground. It also expresses the sense of the House that those downed aviators that were tortured or killed as a result of their efforts to evade capture or escape should be publicly recognized for their extraordinary service. So in honor of these men and women who have selflessly served our Nation, many without the encouragement of public recognition, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend and colleague, and the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio).

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio).

I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee).

Madam Speaker, could I inquire about how much time we have left?

Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi).

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 900) supporting the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War and encouraging the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 900, honoring the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War. I would like to thank my friend from New York, Mr. Steve Israel, for bringing this resolution to the House floor.

In an age where fear dictated the world's stage, the Armed Forces of the United States of America bravely stood guard to ensure that communism, one of democracy's greatest adversaries, would not prevail. The Cold War Certificate Program recognizes the service of veterans during the period of the Cold War from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991 in promoting peace and stability for America.

For nearly five decades the United States stood the test of time and proved its powerful convictions in defending itself and the ideals of freedom from the threat of communism.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to help the achievements and sacrifice of the Armed Forces during the Cold War be recognized by passing a resolution that encourages the people of our Nation to participate in local and national activities honoring our veterans. I am proud to stand here today to honor the men and the women who stood on the brink of devastating global war in order to bring peace and stability to the world, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of House Resolution 900.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend and colleague, the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

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

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, who is also a member of the Armed Services Committee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, Mr. Andrews from New Jersey.

I yield the gentleman an additional 2 minutes.

Madam Speaker, I would inquire of the minority if they have any additional speakers.

Madam Speaker, I will continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I wish to ask my colleagues to support House Resolution 900, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1119) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all people in the United States should participate in a moment of silence to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces both at home and abroad, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1119, which honors the service and the sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces both at home and abroad. I would like to thank my colleague from Michigan (Mr. Peters) for authoring this thoughtful measure.

The men and women of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard are true patriots, not only because they have heard but because they answered the call of duty, the duty to defend our great Nation from threats both foreign and domestic, the duty to protect our immutable freedoms, and the duty to uphold the values that make the United States both a guardian and a herald of peace and justice.

They come from all around us: from big cities and small towns; from the heartland to the coasts; from jobs in farming, industry and technology; from high schools and colleges and universities; and from Wall Street and Main Street. They come from all different backgrounds, from all classes, races, and denominations. They are diverse, yet they share the same sense of duty and purpose. They possess the same courage and fortitude to go and do what others cannot.

They courageously grasp the mantle passed on by those before them, those who gave their lives so others may live free. They understand the consequences and the risks, yet they keep their heads held high in honor and in pride, knowing that the rewards are great, but so are the costs.

They are often asked to sacrifice that which many of us take for granted: a home-cooked meal; a comfortable bed; the embrace of a friend or a relative; and most importantly, safety. They leave behind spouses, children, and other family members, the people that they love the most, so that other Americans, complete strangers, can enjoy the same freedom.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1119 also acknowledges the critical sacrifice families of servicemembers make: the uncertainties and the inconveniences incurred from permanent changes of station, the anxiety and the stress induced by a deployed servicemember, the grief experienced by families and loved members of those servicemembers wounded or killed in action. These families and loved ones also deserve our most sincere thanks.

The moment of silence that will take place on March 26, 2010, on National Support Our Troops Day to honor the men and women in uniform is an undemanding effort, but their service and sacrifice demand our contemplation and our gratitude. So I implore that everyone use the time to recall the sacrifice that they make each and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1119.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Peters), my friend and colleague and the sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Himes).

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire of the Chair how much time we have?

I now yield, Mr. Speaker, 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi).

I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

I yield 1 extra minute to the gentlelady.

Would the Chair give me the time that we have left.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to state for the record, House Resolution 1119 states that we should honor our armed services with a moment of silence, and I hope that my colleagues will seem fit to support this very fine resolution.

I would also like to go on record to thank Mr. Lamborn of Colorado for managing the bills and resolutions this afternoon with me.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3671) to promote Department of the Interior efforts to provide a scientific basis for the management of sediment and nutrient loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3671, introduced by our colleague, Representative Ron Kind of Wisconsin, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological Survey, to establish a sediment and nutrient monitoring network for the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The findings of the monitoring network would be used as a basis to assist public and private sediment and nutrient reduction efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I would note that this legislation has passed the House in previous Congresses, and I ask my colleagues to again support its passage.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, we agree with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle that proper protocol should be followed. I again ask our colleagues to support this legislation.

At this time, Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).

Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4252) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of water resources in the Rialto-Colton Basin in the State of California, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4252, introduced by our colleague, Representative Joe Baca of California, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological Survey, to study the health and quality of the aquifers in the Rialto-Colton Basin. This includes a study of any perchlorate concentration plumes within an aquifer and its possible contamination of other nearby aquifers.

The ground water constitutes about 79 percent of the drinking water supply in the entire Inland Empire area of California, and it is, as such, critical to understand any threats posed by contamination to this supply.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 4252.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I again urge members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4003) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to evaluate resources in the Hudson River Valley in the State of New York to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing the site as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4003, introduced by our friend Representative Maurice Hinchey of New York, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate the resources in the Hudson River Valley and determine the suitability and the feasibility of establishing the area as a unit of the National Park System.

Mr. Speaker, for more than half a century various local, state, and Federal agencies have helped to protect, preserve, and celebrate this historic and significant landscape. The valley is home to numerous state and Federal parks that honor a variety of historic events. Representative Hinchey is to be commended for his tireless efforts on behalf of his constituents and the outstanding historic and cultural resources found in New York State. We support passage of H.R. 4003, and urge its adoption by the House today.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey).

Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1173) recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Vermont Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, and congratulating the Green Mountain Club for its century of dedication in developing and maintaining the trail.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1173 sponsored by Representative Peter Welch of Vermont is a commemorative resolution to mark the 100th anniversary of the Vermont Long Trail. This resolution also recognizes the contribution of the Green Mountain Club for its efforts to develop and maintain the trail over the last century.

The Vermont Long Trail is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. The trail runs 273 miles along the ridges of the Vermont Green Mountains and spans the State from the border of Massachusetts to the border of Canada.

On March 11, 1910, the Green Mountain Club was established to begin work on building the Long Trail. They have served as its stewards ever since.

Representative Welch is to be commended for his efforts to protect and celebrate the stunning beauty of his home State and for providing his constituents some well-deserved recognition of their conservation efforts.

Mr. Speaker, we support the passage of the resolution, and I urge its adoption by the House today.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support the resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2788) to designate a Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2788 is sponsored by Representative Ken Calvert of California. This bill would establish a national memorial at the March Field Air Museum in California to honor the recipients of the Air Force's Distinguished Flying Cross. This medal is awarded to members of the United States Armed Services who have demonstrated heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.

H.R. 2788 specifies that the memorial is not a unit of the National Park System and states that the designation as a national memorial shall not be construed to require or permit Federal funds to be spent on the memorial.

Mr. Speaker, we support the passage of H.R. 2788, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1769) to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the State of Washington, to designate the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River and Pratt River as wild and scenic rivers, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1769, sponsored by Representative Dave Reichert of Washington, would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area and designate two rivers as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness area, originally designated by Congress in 1976, sits 45 minutes east of downtown Seattle and has became one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country.

The proposed wilderness additions are low elevation lands that provide important habitat for wildlife when high elevation lands are covered by snow. Elk, deer, cougars, and bobcats live in the mountain valleys that comprise the proposed wilderness additions.

Mr. Speaker, we support passage of H.R. 1769, and we urge its adoption by the House today.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Boswell) such time as he may consume. And before he begins, I would like to mention that he is a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Madam Speaker, I again urge Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.