Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Candelaria Taitano Rios, a community leader on Guam. Known to her friends and family as ``Candy'' or ``Lala,'' she passed away on January 5, 2009. I commend her for her lifetime of achievements and her service to our community.

Candy was born on February 22, 1932, to John and Rosario Taitano in the village of Hagatna, Guam. Candy was married to the late Joseph Leon Guerrero Rios and they had five children, the late Joleen Rios, Joseph Rios Jr., Rose Rios, John Rios, and Helen Rios. She attended George Washington High School in Mangilao, Guam and graduated in 1951. She continued her education by earning an Associate's and Bachelor's Degree from the College of Guam before earning her Master's degree in Elementary Administration and Supervision from the University of Guam in 1971.

While Candy pursued her college degrees, she taught in Guam's public schools from 1951 to 1976. She was appointed as Assistant Principal at Piti Elementary School and as Principal at C.L. Taitano Elementary School in Sinajana. In 1986, Candy retired from Government of Guam service as the Deputy Director of the Government of Guam Retirement Fund.

After her retirement, Candy remained involved in many community projects and the non-profit sector. As a charter member of the Retired Educators Association, she advocated for issues important to retirees on Guam and promoted the advancement of quality education for Guam's students. She was also a member of the Retirement Employee's Association, the Vocational Education Advisory Council, and the Guam Elementary Administrators Association, for which she also served as Vice President.

Candy Rios was active in community affairs and was a leader in the Democratic Party of Guam. She served in many positions in the party and was an effective grass roots activist and organizer. Many sought her advice and endorsement, and through her volunteer work, she had a significant impact in the electoral successes of the Democratic Party.

Candy Rios was a lifelong educator and community leader. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her children, Joseph, Rose, John, Helen, her family, and her friends as we mourn her loss and celebrate her lifetime of achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 41, and to recognize all those who mentor youth on Guam. Often we talk about children in this chamber and we sometimes lose sight of a fundamental truth: It is beyond the Government alone to truly improve the quality of life for a child. Our ability to appropriate funds or authorize Government programs does not equal the impact a single dedicated mentor can have for a child. We cannot buy patience nor can we legislate understanding. The hard work of mentoring, of explaining right from wrong, of serving as a role model, and helping establish personal goals to work toward, falls to the mentor. A mentor's work may be confined to a single child and known but to a few, but we cannot deny their collective accomplishments throughout our Nation.

There is no question that we need more mentors. Today, more than 15,000,000 children are in need of a mentor. These children are growing up in challenging times. We must encourage mentoring and express our gratitude to those who perform this invaluable service. It is unfortunately, beyond our capability to find every mentor and thank them individually. We can, however, pass H. Res. 41 to recognize all of our Nation's mentors this month and to support the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month. I urge support for H. Res. 41.

Madam Speaker, today I have reintroduced legislation to provide a framework for an integrated ocean and coastal mapping program within the Federal government. The bill, entitled the ``Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act,'' specifically requires the President to establish a program for the development of a coordinated and comprehensive federal ocean and coastal mapping plan for the Great Lakes and coastal state waters, the territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone, and the continental shelf of the United States.

The program is meant to enhance ecosystem-based approaches in decision-making for conservation and management of marine resources and habitats, establish research and mapping priorities for federal-state- local government partnership, support the sound siting of research and other platforms off our coastlines, and advance ocean and coastal science. The President shall coordinate with affected coastal states and territories and an Interagency Committee on Ocean and Coastal Mapping to be convened by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, in establishing this program. The program is also meant to facilitate the adoption of uniform mapping standards and the utilization of the latest technology for mapping activities. Such an approach will allow for the sharing of maps among stakeholders.

Today, at least 15 Federal agencies, most coastal states and territories, and numerous local agencies, academic institutions, and private companies conduct mapping and charting activities for U.S. waters. No central repository or coordinating authority, however, exists under U.S. law to oversee and track these various mapping efforts. The absence of coordination in mapping has resulted in redundancy of efforts in certain areas. While some areas are ``over mapped,'' there is a lack of data for other regions. The program authorized by this bill is meant to reduce such redundancy, and expand the availability of quality, up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive maps and charts for all U.S. waters.

I introduced this bill in the 110th Congress as H.R. 2400. The bill passed the House of Representatives on July 23, 2007, but did not receive the approval of the Senate despite it having been considered in the other body as part of omnibus legislation. I have, therefore, reintroduced this bill today given the ongoing necessity and importance of improving and streamlining our ocean and coastal mapping capabilities. Ultimately, this bill, if enacted, will improve the conservation and management of marine resources and marine transportation safety.

Madam Speaker, today I have reintroduced a bill to amend the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to improve the conservation of sharks. In the 110th Congress, the House of Representatives passed this legislation, H.R. 5741 or the ``Shark Conservation Act of 2008,'' by voice vote under suspension of the rules. The Senate, however, was unable to take action on the bill received by the House or on its companion bill, S. 3231, before it adjourned. I have, therefore, reintroduced this bill today given the ongoing necessity for improved shark conservation and its benefits for ocean ecosystems.

Sharks are long-lived apex predators, which breed slowly, making it difficult for them to maintain populations under fishing pressure. Sharks have been increasingly exploited in recent decades, both as bycatch in the pelagic longline fisheries from the 1960s onward, and as targets in direct fisheries that expanded rapidly in the 1980s. The rising demand for shark fins over past decades has also led to increases in the particularly exploitive practice of shark finning, where fins of sharks are removed and the carcass is discarded at sea.

According to scientists, scalloped hammerhead, white, and thresher shark populations are each estimated to have declined by over 75 percent in the past 15 years due in large part to these fishing pressures. Removing these top predators drastically changes the food web structure, marine diversity, and ecosystem health. Addressing the practice of shark finning is an imperative step toward the conservation of sharks and marine ecosystems.

Congress recognized shark finning as an inherently wasteful practice in enacting the Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000 (Public Law 106- 557). This Act prohibits U.S. fishermen from removing the fins of sharks and discarding the carcass at sea, and from landing or transporting shark fins without the corresponding carcass.

The Shark Conservation Act of 2009 includes several measures to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of that prohibition and would ensure that the intent of Congress is achieved. First, the bill eliminates an unexpected enforcement loophole related to the transport of shark fins by prohibiting vessels from having custody, control, or possession of shark fins which are not naturally attached to the corresponding carcass. This is intended to ensure that U.S.-flagged vessels are not traveling to the high seas and purchasing fins from fishermen engaged in shark finning and bringing them into U.S. waters in an attempt to skirt the finning prohibition. The bill further strengthens the enforcement of the existing ban on shark finning by calling for sharks to be landed with their fins naturally attached. This ``fins-attached'' landing strategy simplifies enforcement of the Shark Finning Prohibition Act. It is also consistent with the National Marine Fisheries Service, NMFS, final rule, which took effect on July 24, 2008, and which implements the management measures described in the final Amendment 2 to the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan and strengthens enforcement of existing law in U.S. Atlantic waters by requiring that sharks be landed with their fins attached.

Finally, the Shark Conservation Act of 2009 amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to allow the Secretary of Commerce to identify and list nations that have not adopted a regulatory program for the conservation of sharks comparable to the United States. This amendment promotes the conservation of sharks internationally and in a manner that is consistent with the expectations placed on U.S. fishermen.

The bill is further consistent with the United States position in the United Nations relative to Resolution 62/177 that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 2007, and which calls upon nation-states to take immediate and concerted action to improve the implementation of and compliance with national measures that regulate shark fisheries, including management efforts to require that all sharks be landed with each fin naturally attached.

The Shark Conservation Act of 2009 reestablishes the intended protections for sharks under U.S. law. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to again pass this timely and important bill in the House of Representatives. I also hope it will receive favorable action and consideration by the other body in the 111th Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Helping Our Heroes Foundation (HOHF) for its many accomplishments, and their volunteers for their support of our servicemembers and their families.

The Helping Our Heroes Foundation, founded in October of 2004, is preparing to conclude its mission at the end of this year. Over the past four years, the Helping Our Heroes Foundation has provided funding and services and organized volunteers in support of servicemembers injured in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Helping Our Heroes Foundation has done so through a partnership with the Department of the Army. This partnership has improved the quality and scope of services and opportunities made available to our veterans during and after their recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. The support provided by the Helping Our Heroes Foundation has boosted morale for our veterans and assisted their families with challenges associated with recovery.

Among its many initiatives, the Helping Our Heroes Foundation has supported our wounded heroes by sponsoring baby showers for expectant mothers who are spouses of injured servicemembers, resume writing workshops for veterans ready to transition to the civilian workforce, scholarships to enable advanced education and training, and activities to bring the community together. The Helping Our Heroes Foundation also has excelled in its goal of securing charitable donations in support of veterans programs. These are a few examples of the Foundation's overall efforts.

Volunteers are at the heart of the Helping Our Heroes Foundation's success. The leadership of its Board of Directors and its founding donors has enabled the Foundation to fulfill its goals. In particular, Ms. Karen Theobald-Conlin, who serves as President of the Helping Our Heroes Foundation, is to be recognized for her initiative and commitment. On this occasion, communities and veterans across the country are joining together to recognize the support provided by the Helping Our Heroes Foundation, its Board of Directors and volunteers, to our wounded heroes and their families. As a Member of Congress who has taken part in their activities at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and witnessed the good work of their volunteers, I join others in recognizing the role the Helping Our Heroes Foundation has served for our veterans. We will continue to honor our veterans based on the foundation established by the Helping Our Heroes Foundation.

Madam Speaker, I join the people of Guam in commending the Southern Guam Little League, a team comprised of players from the villages of Agat, Inarajan, Merizo, Naval Station, Santa Rita, Talofofo, and Umatac who competed in the 62nd Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The Southern Guam Little League represented the Asia-Pacific Region.

After a seven to six comeback victory over the European champions from Italy, Team Guam played two hard-fought games against teams from Mexico and Curacao. A three run loss to Curacao on August 19, 2008, at Volunteer Stadium allowed Curacao to advance to the elimination round. I congratulate the players, parents, and coaches on their winning the Little League Asia-Pacific Region Championship and their representation of Guam in the 2008 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

I would like to commend Dominick San Nicolas and his parents Paul Paulino and Josephine San Nicolas; Austin Paulino and his parents Jesse Meno and Debbie Paulino; Brielle Meno and her parents Ben and MaDonna Meno; Fernando Rabago and his parents Thomas and Tammy Rabago; Mark Blas and his parents Mark and Lucy Blas; Brian Bunag and his parents Benjamin and Gina Bunag; Johnny Quenga and his parents Johnny and Lani Quenga; Parish Reyes and his parents Fred and Ester Reyes; Andrew Quintanilla and his parents Jesse and Marie Quintanilla; Austin Sablan and his parents Rocindo Alforque and Mary Sablan; Nicholas Cruz and his grandparents Felix and MaryJane Cruz; Nicholas Hernandez and parents Guillermo and Nancy Hernandez; Southern Guam Little League Coaches Paul Paulino and Johnny DeJesus; Manager William Meeks; President William Sarmiento; Vice President Donna H. Santiago and Mr. Stephen J. Guerrero, the District Administrator, Guam Little League for their work and accomplishments in the 2008 Little League Baseball World Series.

The players, parents, and coaches of the Southern Guam Little League represented Guam with pride throughout the 2008 Little League Baseball World Series competition. I commend the parents and coaches for their hard work and dedication to the players in their road to Williamsport. Most of all, I join with all the people of Guam and baseball fans everywhere in commending the Southern Guam Little League players who inspired us with their skills and their sportsmanship.

Congratulations and thanks for the memories.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize, congratulate and commend Fire Service Specialist Roderick R. Meno on being named Guam's Firefighter of the Year for 2008.

Roderick, a native son of southern Guam, grew up in a family of outstanding firefighters: his father, retired Deputy Fire Chief Frank C. Meno; his brothers, Fire Specialist Frank R. Meno, Fire Captain Kurt R. Meno, Fire Fighter II Brian R. Meno; and nephew Fire Fighter I Joshua R. Meno. This exposure, from his early youth, to a family of dedicated public servants imbued in Roderick an instinctive desire to serve the public, and protect life and property as his father and siblings did before him.

Roderick's upbringing in the closely knit village of Inarajan also inculcated in him the spirit of community and volunteerism. From his father, a recognized Chamorro master builder, he learned skills as a general overall handyman, a skill he unhesitatingly used to assist his fire precinct in the operations and maintenance of its fire station. He used these skills to perform renovations of the station control room, improving working conditions for his fellow firefighters. His skills as a carpenter and do-it-yourselfer enabled him to perform modifications to the sleeping quarters of his fellow firefighters, rendering those quarters more comfortable and organized. When he saw a need and he knew he had the skills to accomplish the work, he did not hesitate.

And just as his spirit of volunteerism motivated him to apply his skills to work he could perform, Roderick did not hesitate to use his own resources to accomplish these tasks. Roderick would begin projects knowing that financial support from the government may not be available. He used his own tools and when he needed materials and parts, rather than waiting for the cumbersome government procurement process, he used his own finances to purchase parts and materials.

And Roderick did all of this, ever mindful of, and never neglecting, his duties and responsibilities as a firefighter. As his father and brothers before him, Roderick Meno was always ready to serve and protect. For these attributes that have characterized our Nation's outstanding firefighters, Roderick Meno joins his father and brothers, and America's firefighters whose dedication to purpose and spirit of community make them outstanding role models for all citizens in all roles of life. Fire Service Specialist Meno, thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join the people of Guam in mourning the death of a great son of America and community leader in the Pacific where, for the last sixty three years, he lived, worked and built a business empire. Born in the small town of Willow Springs, North Carolina, on November 22, 1917, Kenneth T. Jones, Jr. will be remembered for his contributions to our community.

``Ken'', as he was fondly known to his family, friends and associates, was the consummate business adventurer, always searching for new opportunities and always willing to venture into new endeavors where he sensed success was certain. That business sense convinced him that prospects would arise on Guam, a small Pacific island he temporarily visited as a Navy Chief Petty Officer with the 25th Seabees during World War II. Hearing the slogan, ``Guam, Crossroads of the Pacific'', Ken instinctively saw great future potentials for those who were willing to work hard and had the spirit to succeed.

Ken befriended Segundo ``Sy'' Leon Guerrero, a young Guamanian he met during his short stay on the island. Ken and Sy had many discussions about the future and planned for Ken's return to Guam when they would become business partners. But even while he was waiting for the opportunity to return to the island, Ken would purchase small items to send to Sy who sold them from his small Quonset hut in Sinajana, which would eventually become the first Town House Department Store under the partnership called Jones and Guerrero Company Incorporated, immediately coined ``J & G'' throughout the Pacific.

Under the Chairmanship of Ken Jones, J & G rapidly expanded into several areas where Ken felt there was a need on island. After Town House and upon his return to Guam in 1946, J & G Repair Shop opened, a natural fit for Jones who was an automotive mechanic in the Seabees. Other businesses quickly followed: from companies which supplied construction materials, built modular homes and a residential subdivision (Jonestown) to the bottling of soft drinks (Pepsi Cola Bottling Co.) and J & G Payless Supermarkets. To supply his many companies, Ken established Pacific Navigation Company, agents for ocean going freight liners calling ports in Australia, Asia, the Philippines, China and other islands in Micronesia.

Ken's business acumen motivated him to build Cliff Properties Development, one of the island's first hotels; and the Guam Hilton Hotel, Guam's first major chain hotel. Ken Jones' business interests and ventures were not confined to Guam. Ken built and operated the Royal Taga Hotel, the first hotel in Saipan, CNMI, as well as the Bar K cattle ranch in Tinian, CNMI. He operated thoroughbred race horse ranches and stables in Australia and the bluegrass country of Kentucky. He also built and operated a considerable shopping mall in his home state of North Carolina. Ken Jones' success as a businessman created within him a sense of philanthropy to which he devoted much personal time, effort, energy and considerable financial resources. These include leadership roles and membership in such organizations as the American Red Cross; the American Cancer Society; the Guam Chapters of the American Boy and Girl Scouts; the Guam Vocational Rehabilitation Workshop; the Boards and Trustees of several private schools, including St. John's Episcopal School, the Academy of Our Lady of Guam; the Guam Lytico-Bodig Association; the Make-a-Wish Foundation; and the American Heart and Lung Association.

Ken's efforts and successes as a premier businessman have always been recognized by the people of Guam and the entire business community of the Pacific Basin. This recognition culminated in his induction into the Guam Business Hall of Fame on May 2, 1992. In

1994 he was named Guam Business News' Executive of the Year.

Kenneth T. Jones, Jr., was a respected businessman on Guam, much loved by the people of Guam and our entire community. We recognize him for his many achievements and we commend him for his contributions to our community. Our community mourns his passing and we extend our condolences to his family and friends. Ken leaves behind his wife, Elaine Cruz Jones and five daughters, Vivian, Linda, Veronica, Donna and Ramona.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the rededication and the opening of the new Commander William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School on Naval Base Guam. The recent completion of this modern, state-of-the-art educational facility houses separate wings for the elementary and middle schools, administrative areas, a gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, a media center, cafeteria, and capacity for 850 students. Commander McCool embodied the ideal of being a lifetime learner, and his never-ending thirst for knowledge took him into space--an accomplishment that continues to inspire students and educators alike today.

Commander William ``Willie'' McCool attended Dededo Middle School in Dededo, Guam and John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning, Guam. After his graduation from the United States Naval Academy, Commander McCool was selected as a Navy test pilot and guided the space shuttle Columbia on Mission STS-107 in 2003. A son of Guam, Commander McCool carried the flag of Guam on that mission.

From the flight deck of the Columbia, Commander McCool stated, ``From our orbital vantage point, we observe an Earth without borders, full of peace, beauty and magnificence, and we pray that humanity as a whole can imagine a borderless world as we see it and strive to live as one in peace.'' These words will inspire students at this school for many years to come.

On February 22, 2003, I introduced H.R. 672, a bill to rename the Guam South Elementary/Middle School, previously located in Apra Heights, Guam, in honor of Commander McCool. The bill was signed into law by President George W. Bush on April 11, 2003, and today, as we commemorate the rededication of the new Commander William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School, there is no doubt that Willie McCool's legacy continues to touch the hearts and minds of us all.

I would like to congratulate former Commander Naval Forces Marianas RADM Patrick W. Dunne, former Commander Naval Forces Marianas RADM Charles J. Leidig, former Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) Superintendent Mr. Michael Diekmann, and former school Principal Mr. William Hall for their guidance, leadership, and oversight in the design and construction of Commander William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School. I would also like to congratulate Commander Naval Forces Marianas RADM William D. French, DODEA Superintendent Dr. Gayle Vaughn-Wiles, and Principal Mr. Stanley Chop for their roles in the completion of the new Commander William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School.

I would like to commend the family of Commander McCool for their strength and to honor them for their commitment to furthering his legacy. I want to first recognize his wife, Lani Vallejos McCool and his three sons Sean, Christopher and Cameron. I also want to recognize his parents Barry and Audrey McCool and his parents-in-law Albert and Atilana Vallejos. Our community thanks all of you for your graciousness in helping us to commemorate Commander McCool's life through the dedication of this school and for sharing his memory with the students and faculty. Through this tribute, we want you to know that you have a very large extended family and this school is your school; these students are your students; this tribute is your living memorial.

As our community gathers to rededicate this school on September 30, 2008, let us renew our commitment to excellence exemplified by the hero whose name graces this structure. On the occasion of the rededication of Commander William C. McCool Elementary School, let us recall his inspiring words, of ``. . . an Earth without borders, full of peace, beauty and magnificence . . .''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7110, the Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act of 2008. Within this legislation are several provisions relating to Federal funding for Guam. As a result of the current economic situation, this is much needed legislation for all Americans.

Of particular note, H.R. 7110 would temporarily increase the cap on Medicaid payments to the territories by 4 percent for fiscal years 2009 and 2010. Although this increase represents progress toward addressing the inequity in Federal health care financing between the States and territories, I continue to work with the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Senate to also adjust the statutory-set Federal medical assistance percentages (FMAPs) for the territories which are currently set at 50 percent. Unlike the States, territories pay more to care for the medically indigent in their jurisdictions, creating a larger issue of health inequity in the country. Our local government is burdened with budget shortfalls, and in tough economic times like these we need to ensure that families under economic stress have access to health care.

Secondly are the provisions contained within this bill providing increases in food stamps and territorial highway program funding. This additional highway funding should stimulate the economies of the territories and help us to meet urgent road infrastructure projects.

I support this economic stimulus and jobs package, and I thank our leadership for their efforts on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the amendment offered to S. 3001, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. The bill, once again, renews our commitment to ensuring the highest levels of readiness and supporting the individual needs of our men and women in uniform. The bill is a product of hard work and dedication by our Chairman, Ranking Member and committee staff.

The bill also continues to ensure that Congress will have the appropriate oversight and accountability mechanisms in place to ensure the military build-up on Guam is a success. In particular, the bill establishes an account to manage funds contributed to the U.S. Government in support of the military build-up by the Government of Japan through authority granted in Section 2350k of Title 10 of the United States Code. This account will provide us, as well as the Government of Japan, with greater accountability of how funds are being used. Over $13 billion dollars on military construction projects alone will be spent on Guam over a six year period as stipulated in the Alliance Transformation and Realignment Agreement.

As important, the bill also contains provisions that express Congress's position on a variety of issues that will impact the local civilian community on Guam. Congress directs the Department of Defense to ensure that any improvements to utilities made on Guam as a result of the military build-up benefit the entire island community. Most specifically, it expresses that the Department of Defense should be a consumer and not a provider of basic services. If the Department of Defense is a consumer of water, power and wastewater resources then an economy of scales can be reached that will help lower the cost for both the military and civilian community.

The bill also calls on the federal government to work more closely with their respective counterpart agencies in the Government of Guam to develop Memoranda of Understanding to ensure continuity of effort as Administrations prepare to change in Washington, D.C. and in Guam. The Memoranda of Understanding will allow federal and local governments to adequately prepare and plan infrastructure needs to meet the capacity demands added by the build-up of forces on Guam. The agreements will also give private industry a commitment that the federal and local governments are serious about and committed to ensuring success for the build-up.

A successful example of a Memorandum of Understanding is the one signed by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the Port of Guam in May, 2008. The memorandum commits MARAD to use its technical expertise in contracting and planning to assist the Port of Guam in making necessary improvements for the port's capacity. The private sector, Government of Guam and the Department of Defense all agree that the port, if not improved and expanded, would have potentially been a ``bottleneck'' in the successful completion of projects related to the military build-up. However, the Memorandum of Understanding could not be fully implemented without the inclusion of authorizing language that is contained in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. The language that I sponsored grants MARAD the authority to execute the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding. Now, we have a successful example of how Memoranda of Understanding can guide development of civilian infrastructure on Guam.

Finally, the bill continues this Congress's commitment to our nation's indispensable force, our citizen soldiers and airmen of the Army and Air National Guard. In addition to a 3.9% increase in pay for all service members, the bill adds $800 million specifically for National Guard and equipment. The bill also fully authorizes the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program for the Army, allowing them to procure seven aircraft in fiscal year 2009. However, in order to maintain this indispensable force, it was critical that we authorized a substantial increase in full time manning for the Army and Air National Guard, and this funding was placed in the base budget in a fiscally responsible manner. Ensuring that the National Guard has adequate full time positions is imperative if they are to remain a fully operational force.

There are other provisions of interest to me and of relevance to Department of Defense activities on Guam. Of note is a provision authorizing the Department of Defense to participate in and financially contribute to conservation banking and in-lieu fee mitigation initiatives. This is important to protecting our environment and Guam presents an ideal opportunity for the Department of Defense to partner with the Government of Guam toward meeting conservation goals and mitigating the impact of the military build-up. I regret that the other body has withheld support from some provisions related to the military build-up that were adopted earlier this year by this House.

I will continue to work on these provisions in the next Congress.

I want to thank Congressman Ike Skelton, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and Congressman Solomon Ortiz, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness for their leadership and steadfast support of provisions relating to the Guam military build-up that are included in this bill. I also want to thank the staff of the House Committee on Armed Services, specifically Erin Conaton, Paul Arcangeli, Will Ebbs, Debra Wada, Eryn Robinson, Vickie Plunkett, Cathy Garman, Andrew Hunter and Michael Higgins. However, David Sienicki should be especially commended for his outstanding work and understanding of the strategic importance of the Guam military build-up.

I urge passage of the amendment to S. 3001.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6897, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act. H.R. 6897 would recognize the valor of the Filipino veterans of the Second World War by providing a one-time payment to the surviving 18,000 Filipino soldiers who are scattered today and living throughout the United States and also in my own district in the Territory of Guam.

Madam Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the United States-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I strongly urge this House to pass H.R. 6897 and help restore due justice which is long overdue, over 60 years. Many attempts have been made by this Congress to correct this injustice, so it is time to close this chapter.

These are heroes who served shoulder to shoulder with our Nation's Armed Forces. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt drafted these brave Filipino soldiers during the height of the conflict between the Allies and the Imperial Japanese forces; and their presence turned the tide in battles such as Bataan and Corregidor.

Their bravery and loyalty to America was questioned by none. However, the Rescission Act of 1946 stripped these veterans of their veteran status.

As a Congress, Madam Speaker, we must recognize the service of these brave Filipino soldiers and correct this injustice once and for all. While I hope this Congress will restore full equity to our Filipino veterans, the lump sum payment proposed by this bill to the remaining 18,000 Filipino veterans is a step forward. I recognize the legislative constraints surrounding the passage of H.R. 6897, and I support its advancement in the legislative process.

I want to go on record this afternoon to commend Chairman Filner of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for his leadership on this issue, and I also commend Congressman Mike Honda and our Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, for their dedicated work on this bill.

It is the duty of this Congress to recognize the service of these Filipino veterans during World War II and to correct the injustice placed upon them so I urge us to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6897 and to continue to work for full justice and equity for our Filipino veterans.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 160) to amend the American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996 to establish a battlefield acquisition grant program for the acquisition and protection of nationally significant battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam 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.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 160, the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Protection Act was introduced by my colleague on the Natural Resources Committee, the Honorable Congressman Rush Holt. This bill would provide Federal matching grants to help in the acquisition and preservation of nationally significant battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

Urbanization, suburban sprawl and unplanned commercial and residential development have increasingly encroached upon these battlefield sites, threatening their historical integrity, and even resulting in the loss of some sites all together. A 2007 National Park Service study concluded that as many as 170 Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefields and associated sites face imminent injury or destruction in the next decade.

H.R. 160 will enable State and local governments to obtain Federal grants to leverage matching private funds to acquire endangered sites for preservation and protection of these places which influence the course of our American history.

I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt) for all his work on this legislation and his commitment to the preservation of these historic places. I ask my colleagues to support passage of this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt), the sponsor of this legislation.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2933) to amend the American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for that Act, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam 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.

Madam Speaker, since its inception in 1996, the American battlefield protection program has provided grants for preserving endangered Civil War battlefields which are specifically not part of the National Park System.

The program contains two components. The battlefield preservation grants program is designed to help State and local government, organizations and citizens protect battlefield sites. The battlefield acquisition grant program provides matching funds to help State and local governments acquire and preserve battlefield sites.

Together, these grant programs have helped to protect more than 15,000 acres at 72 Civil War battlefields and have leveraged $52 million in non-Federal funding for battlefield protection. With enactment of H.R. 160, which was just considered, this program will be expanded to include Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites, making the program even stronger.

I commend our colleague, Representative Gary Miller of California, for his leadership on this issue and his commitment to historic preservation. This is a truly bipartisan measure with more than 100 cosponsors from both parties. I ask my colleagues to support passage of this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, but I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to make mention, and I think it is fitting that we are entertaining this bill today on what marks the 146th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4828) to amend the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site Act of 1991 to expand the boundaries of the historic site, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam 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.

Madam Speaker, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site, located in Brownsville, Texas, is the only National Park Service unit dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Mexican- American War. The park preserves the site of the Battle of Palo Alto, the first battle of the war, but fighting was not limited to the parcel of land currently preserved by the park. Fighting at a site called Resaca de la Palma proved pivotal in permanently repulsing the Mexican army from Texas.

H.R. 4828 would amend the act creating Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site to designate the 34 acres of the Resaca de la Palma as a unit of the park. In recognition of the expansion of the park to include the noncontiguous Resaca de la Palma unit, the bill will also redesignate Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site as Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park.

This is a good piece of legislation, and I commend my colleague and my good friend, Representative Solomon Ortiz from Texas, for his hard work on adding this unit to the park. I enthusiastically support passage of this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz), the sponsor of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I again urge Members to support this very important piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.