Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Benson Au-Yeung on being named the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2008 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year for Guam.

Benson grew up on Guam and has contributed to our community throughout his life. He was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong where he studied the English language for 13 years. In 1976, his family relocated to Guam. He attended Cathedral Grade School, Bishop Baumgartner Junior High School, and graduated with honors from Father Duenas Memorial School. He then left for a short period to obtain a bachelor of science degree in computer science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Benson returned to Guam in 1986 to devote his time to the family business, a successful local company geared toward the visitor industry. He combined their services with his experience in computer programming and started Soft Pacific, Inc which equips Guam and Saipan businesses with Japanese language computers.

In 1998, Benson expanded Soft Pacific, Inc. and acquired the 3M Graphics Division on Guam. Eventually this acquisition resulted in the development of Benz Sign Supplies, a successful sign supply company on Guam. Benz Sign Supplies provides a variety of signage products to the local market and has widened its clientele to include the overseas market, including the U.S. mainland and Canada.

After 10 years, Benson's small business continues to provide important products and services to our community. He is a an active member of the Guam Contractors Association, Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam, and the Guam Chinese Tennis Club. I congratulate him for his achievement as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2008 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year for Guam.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Kim Anderson Young on being named the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2008 Small Business Person of the Year for Guam.

As a young girl growing up in Alaska, Kim was inspired by her father who operated a helicopter service, Maritime Helicopters, in Homer, Alaska. She obtained her college degree from Alaska Business College in 1979 and developed a career in real estate in both Alaska and Hawaii. In 1987, the family business expanded and she embarked on a new adventure to lead the development of a new branch of Maritime Helicopters in Saipan called Blue Pacific Helicopters. Under Kim's leadership, Blue Pacific Helicopters grew from a one aircraft operation used to perform rescues, medivacs, and tours to two nine-passenger Piper Navajo Chieftains. This success led to Blue Pacific Helicopters' acquisition by Northwest Airlink.

Kim's business and real estate successes led her to enter the title insurance business. In 1991, she started Pacific American Title Insurance and Escrow Company with a business partner, and later formed a sole proprietorship venture in 1995. She started Security Title, Inc. as the president and her husband, Ronald M. Young, as corporate secretary and treasurer.

Today, Security Title, Inc. has expanded its services to service the communities of Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. It is also stands as the largest title company on Guam in terms of employees, transactions and revenues. Their growth over the past year is due to company leadership that reacts quickly to Guam's real estate surge and shows the great confidence that real estate agents and financial institutions have in their title insurance products.

Kim is the driving force behind Security Title's leadership role in community relations. They have consistently contributed a significant percentage of their profits each year to local non-profit and charitable organizations that support youth sports, schools, disaster relief, military families, the homeless, abused women and children, and elderly programs. Their good works have been appreciated by our community and they have set a high bar as an example of how much can be accomplished by a business that is socially responsible and that has a deep commitment to our community.

Kim Anderson Young's business success and contributions to our community are an inspiration to our island. I congratulate Kim today on her selection as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2008 Small Business Person of the Year for Guam and I commend her on this notable achievement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dolores ``Laling'' McDonald Pangelinan on being named the United States Small Business Administration 2008 Home-Based Business Champion of the Year for Guam.

Mrs. Pangelinan began her business 1986 when she made the decision to retire from her full-time career to remain at home with her ailing son. As she still needed to supplement the family income while being her son's caregiver, Mrs. Pangelinan decided to put her baking and party planning knowledge to work from home. With a strong customer base of people familiar with her culinary talents, Mrs. Pangelinan was able to successfully launch ``Special Events by Les Papillon.''

Over 20 years later, Special Events by Les Papillon has become one of Guam's most successful home-based businesses. It has developed into a full-service party business offering cake decorating, floral arrangement, event planning, special functions organization, and prop background setting. Mrs. McDonald's home continues to serve as the headquarters, but is now equipped with multiple kitchens, extensive storage space, and a commercial van to service client needs.

Mrs. Pangelinan's success is well-deserved, and reminds us of the hard work ethic and family pride that our community holds so dearly. With this, I proudly congratulate Dolores ``Laling'' McDonald Pangelinan for her national recognition as United States Small Business Administration 2008 Home-Based Business Champion of the Year for Guam.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. AnnMarie T. Muna on being named the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2008 Women in Business Champion of the Year for Guam.

AnnMarie is dynamic businesswoman and an inspiration to Guam's small businesses. After working in the insurance industry for 13 years, she leveraged her expertise by forming her own company in 1994, AM Insurance (Access to Markets for Insurance/AMI). In business for nearly 15 years now, AM Insurance has become one of the leading brokers in the region with an extensive portfolio of government, commercial, and personal insurance accounts.

AnnMarie's community contributions have benefited many non-profit organizations including Soroptimist International of the Marianas, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and SCID Kid Foundation. She has contributed her time and her energy to help these organizations raise the funds they need to fulfill their missions, and in doing so, she has helped to improve our community.

I commend AnnMarie for the expertise she brings to Guam's insurance market and for her efforts to grow Guam's small businesses. The success of her businesses, AM Insurance and Y'Ma'gas, Inc., are an inspiration to young women in our community. I congratulate her today for her accomplishments and for being named the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2008 Women in Business Champion of the Year for Guam.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Earl and Lois Kloppenburg and their family and I congratulate them on Kloppenburg Enterprises being awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration 2008 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year for Guam.

Earl Edward Kloppenburg came to Guam only 3 years after the United States liberated our island during World War II. Although Guam was devastated by the war, Earl Kloppenburg saw potential and opportunity on our island. Earl and Lisa began their business venture in 1950 with the opening of Guam Factors, a gift shop specializing in imports from the Orient. Over the years, the Kloppenburg's holdings steadily grew to include the Specialty House, Earl's Hut, The Office, The Tapa Room, the Hideaway and the Coffee Pot--some of Guam's earliest restaurants and lounges. All of these were consolidated under Kloppenburg Enterprises, Inc., in 1964.

Earl Kloppenburg envisioned the future of the visitor industry on Guam and established Pacific Island Caterers to service the Pan American Airways Pacific flights. He then established Turtle Tours and Turtle Cove, two of Guam's first enterprises focused primarily to Guam's visitor industry. Kloppenburg Enterprises, now under the leadership of Earl's son, Bruce, and grandsons, Tom, Travis and Bradley, continues to grow and now consists of Turtle Tours, The Shopping Express Bus System, Adventure River Cruise, Iruka (Dolphin) Watching Adventure Tour, Nautilus Guam (Submarine) Tours, and Agana Bay Sunset Cruises. In addition to being the market leader in Guam's visitor industry, Kloppenburg Enterprises also provides mass transit services on Guam and operates a shuttle bus system for the military community. Kloppenburg Enterprises employs 130 residents and continues to grow.

The Kloppenburg family business accomplishments are a classic American success story, and I congratulate them for Kloppenburg Enterprises being named the Small Business Administration 2008 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Faye Balmonte Varias on being named the United States Small Business Administration 2008 Small Business Journalist Champion of the Year for Guam.

Ms. Varias began her nearly 10-year-long career as a freelance writer for multiple publications, and today, she serves as the editor for Glimpses of Guam, one of the island's leading publishing and advertising agencies. As editor, she has been instrumental in the development and expansion of the Guam Business Journal, Marine Drive Magazine, and R&R Pacific. Through these publications, Ms. Varias has brought exceptional editorial coverage of Guam's small business news.

Ms. Varias' community efforts cross the spectrum. She has volunteered in schools, organized award-winning events, and committed to teaching our youth about the journalism profession. I congratulate Faye Balmonte Varias on her professional success thus far, and I join our island in celebrating her national recognition as Guam's U.S. Small Business Administration 2008 Small Business Journalist Champion of the Year.

Madam Speaker, nearly half of the population of the United States lives along our country's 95,331 miles of ocean and Great Lakes coastline. The 153 million people who live and work in the coastal zone--roughly 11 percent of the total U.S. land area-- contribute tens of billions of dollars to our national economy. For example, roughly $700 billion in cargo and merchandise moves through our country's ports on an annual basis.

While the country's coastal zone remains intrinsically linked to our entire economy, coastal regions are also home to a variety of incredibly valuable natural resources, such as commercial fisheries, coral reefs, coastal estuaries and wetlands, mineral resources, and vital fish and wildlife habitat. Moreover, at a time when our economy and the environment are both in need of attention, and when cooperation between the Federal government and the States and territories has never been more essential to address future challenges created by a changing climate, it is important for the Congress to reauthorize the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). Reauthorization of this Act re-emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced management approach in this critical geographic area.

The initial passage in 1972 of the Coastal Zone Management Act championed an innovative and forward-thinking strategy to address the complexity of issues, the needs of individual States and territories, and the national interest to ensure the long-term, sensible management of the country's entire coastal zone. The Act was designed as a voluntary federal-state partnership. States and territories receive cost sharing grants to develop and subsequently implement State management programs that comply with broad Federal policies. For example, State and territorial coastal zone management programs encourage comprehensive planning to enable both the protection and development of coastal lands where possible. State and territorial coastal programs also strive to restore and enhance coastal resources, perpetuate water-dependent uses and preserve coastal public access.

States and territories also gained an equal authority, known generally as ``Federal Consistency'' to review all Federal agency activities or Federally-permitted activities for the

coastal zone to ensure compatibility with Federally-approved State or territory coastal programs and policies. While at times controversial, consistency reviews emerged as a remarkably successful tool in facilitating cooperation between the coastal states and territories and the Federal agencies. Although participation in the Coastal Zone Management program is voluntary, 34 out of 35 eligible coastal States and territories are now fully participating in the program, and collectively, 99 percent of U.S. coastlines fall under the Act's authority.

The territory I represent, Guam, proudly participates in the coastal zone management program. Because Guam is an island, our entire land area is considered a coastal zone. Important and unique management issues regarding development frequently arise for our community, including impacts on cultural and historic resource preservation, water quality, and the integrity of coral reef ecosystems and our watershed habitat. For example, under the Guam Coastal Management Program, analysis of damages from coastal hazards led to the development of an Environmental Emergency Response Plan that our community relies upon in preparing for and responding to typhoons. This Plan allowed our community to successfully respond to coastal and environmental challenges arising from recent typhoons that struck our island, including Typhoon Chata'an in July 2002 and Super Typhoon Pongsona in December 2002. This plan is but one example from many that demonstrate the practical and positive impact of the Coastal Zone Management Act for Guam.

Since the Act's enactment in 1972, Congress has amended it on various occasions in order to address changing circumstances and needs. Among such refinements was the establishment of a system of National Estuarine Research Reserves, authorization of the Enhancement Grant Program to help States and the territories address new and emerging issues, and the establishment of the Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program to address the present and growing threat to coastal waters caused by polluted run-off.

Today, our country is presented with coastal zone challenges that were unforeseen and not addressed in previous reauthorizations of the Coastal Zone Management Act. These challenges include climate change, aquatic nuisance species, increased risk exposure to catastrophic storms and natural hazards, and the preservation of open space in the midst of an expanding human footprint. Many of these challenges were identified by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy in 2004 and the Pew Oceans Commission in 2003. In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Coastal States Organization (CSO) initiated in 2007 a joint comprehensive analysis of the Act to see if and how it might be amended to better address the challenges of the future. I believe it is important to reauthorize this Act with input from the States and territories, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and scientists and coastal community stakeholders. Any reauthorization of the Act should be oriented toward improving our ability to better prepare for and respond to future challenges impacting the health and integrity of the ecosystems within our country's coastal zones.

It is for these reasons that I introduced H.R. 5451, the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act of 2008, to reauthorize and increase appropriations to implement the Coastal Zone Management Act. I was joined in doing so by other members of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans. Together we are committed to addressing this reauthorization opportunity and objective in a bipartisan fashion. On February 28, 2008, the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans convened for a hearing on H.R. 5451 and received testimony from the Administration and stakeholders. I fully recognize that this bill is a placeholder and a starting point for a much more substantive dialogue as we begin to address the new realities facing our country's coastal zone. I hope my colleagues will join us in this effort to reauthorize this landmark environmental law, and to ensure that we leave for our children and grandchildren a coastal zone that is vibrant, healthy and welcoming to all.

Madam Speaker, today I introduced a bill to reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program Act.

The National Sea Grant College Program originally was established in 1966 upon the enactment of the National Sea Grant College Act, 33 U.S.C. 1121-1131, to improve marine resource conservation, management, and utilization. The act was last reauthorized by an act of the 107th Congress in 2002, and current authorizations of appropriations expire at the end of fiscal year 2008.

The National Sea Grant College Program is patterned after the Land Grant College System, which was created in 1862. Although originally assigned to the National Science Foundation, NSF, the National Sea Grant College Program was transferred in 1970 to the

newly created National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, within the Department of Commerce. Currently, there are over 30 Sea Grant College programs that represent a network of researchers, educators, and marine extension agents at some of the Nation's top academic institutions. Sea Grant Colleges sponsor a wide range of applied and basic marine science research, education, and training and technical assistance programs promoting the understanding, assessment, development, utilization and conservation of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. Sea Grant Colleges also provide yearlong fellowships to graduate students in marine-related disciplines for placement in congressional offices and Federal agencies.

The bill introduced today would refine the act to modestly expand and clarify the scope and purposes of the National Sea Grant College Program. The hill would provide the national program with the ability to promote, encourage, plan, and implement collaboration among groups of Sea Grant programs, strategic partners, and stakeholders. The bill includes amendments to the act that would describe in more detail the role of Sea Grant in addressing important issues of regional and national concern as identified in the National Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation Strategy.

The bill would invigorate oversight and accountability by expanding the responsibilities of the National Sea Grant Review Panel, established by an earlier reauthorization of the National Sea Grant College Act. The bill renames this panel as the ``National Sea Grant Advisory Board'' to more appropriately and accurately describe its purpose and function. The bill would further authorize the Board to extend participation to non-panel members, principally through the establishment of subcommittees for the purpose of receiving advice and guidance. The revised title and afforded level of new participation reflects a broader and ongoing responsibility on behalf of the National Sea Grant College Program. The Board would be also charged with providing advice to the Secretary of Commerce as to how the National Sea Grant College Program can he best strengthened to ensure the activities of Sea Grant Colleges are consistent with and supportive of national objectives.

The bill would amend Sea Grant program performance review standards. Adopted as part of the 2002 amendments, the review requirements have had the unintended consequence of creating a disincentive for programs to work cooperatively or form partnerships. Implementation of new measures for program review combined with policies aimed at advancing ``continuous program improvement'' should ensure effective program assessments.

In addition, the bill would increase the percentage of funds exempt from the non-Federal match requirement from the current 1 percent to 5 percent. Many Sea Grant programs address issues of local as well as national concern. In the case of local Sea Grant projects within States, the general match requirement is appropriate. However, the match requirement makes it difficult for Sea Grant to participate in joint competitive programs with other NOAA offices or other Federal agencies because incoming proposals for Sea Grant funding require a match, while proposals from the other agencies often do not.

The bill would also exempt the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program from having to match grant awards in order to achieve parity between fellows placed in congressional offices with those fellows placed in Federal agencies.

Finally, the bill also supports reasonable and justifiable increases in authorized appropriations for Sea Grant. Authorized funding levels would increase from $66 million to $100 million for the period between Fiscal Year 2009 through Fiscal Year 2014.

The National Sea Grant College Program has established an impressive record over the course of its 38-year history. The reauthorization bill introduced today builds on the sensible recommendations of the Sea Grant Association, the Sea Grant Review Panel, other stakeholders, and consultations with personnel assigned to NOAA's Sea Grant Program Office. Sea Grant provides countless benefits to the American public, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reauthorize and strengthen this important extramural marine conservation program.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1834. I want to commend my colleagues from the Committee on Science and Technology, Chairman Bart Gordon, and the Ranking Republican Member, Congressman Ralph Hall, for their leadership in bringing this important bill to enhance our understanding of the marine environment to the House floor.

When I became Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans at the beginning of the 110th Congress, one of my top priorities was to take action on legislation to address the thoughtful recommendations offered by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy to improve our Nation's ocean environment. This legislation, H.R. 1834, would implement a key recommendation of the Commission by authorizing two important ocean research programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--the Ocean Exploration Program and the National Undersea Research Program.

This legislation, which refines the bill that was reported by the Committee on Natural Resources on August 4, 2007, would further strengthen NOAA's standing as the preeminent civilian federal ocean agency by granting the agency explicit authority to conduct scientific research that directly contributes to increasing scientific knowledge of the world's oceans.

The legislation would address the glaring national need identified by the U.S. Commision on Ocean Policy to develop and advance new innovations in oceanographic research, communication and navigation technologies to support ocean exploration and science, and expand extramural ocean research.

Additionally, this legislation would emphasize the importance of outreach and public education to ensure that future scientific discoveries and benefits are disseminated to decision-makers in both the public and private sectors and conveyed to the general public. This will increase both public awareness and appreciation of how the world's oceans affect our economic and environmental well-being.

Again, I commend my colleagues on the Committee on Science and Tecnology for their cooperation. The support of the Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, Chairman Nick Rahall, and the ranking Republican member, Congressman Don Young, was also indispensible. Finally, I also acknowledge the leadership of Congressman Jim Saxton, the sponsor of the bill. I encourage members to vote for this non- controversial legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life and service of Paul J. Abbate, former Guam Superior Court Presiding Judge. Judge Abbate passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2008 in Pomfret, Maryland at the age of 88.

Judge Abbate served our Nation as a Commander in the U.S. Navy's Judge Advocate General Corps for over 20 years. Upon his retirement from the Navy, he accepted an appointment by Governor of Guam Manuel F.L. Guerrero to be the Attorney General of Guam. With the retirement of Presiding Judge Joaquin C. Perez in 1969, Governor Guerrero appointed Paul Abbate to serve as a Judge for the Superior Court of Guam, where he served for 19 years, 13 of which were as the Presiding Judge. As Presiding Judge, he initiated plans for the construction of the new Guam Judicial Center, the complex that today houses the Superior Court and Supreme Courts of Guam. Judge Abbate was noted for his well-reasoned rulings, but also for his fairness and impartiality in the court. Following his retirement from Guam's judicial system, he served as Director of Governor Joseph Washington Liaison Office in Washington, DC.

Judge Abbate's service to Guam was evident in more than just the courtroom. He committed his life to the Catholic Church as a deacon for the Archdiocese of Hagatna and in his church in the mainland. He assisted in the major renovations and improvements to the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Guam's capital of Hagatna and helped in the preparations for the visit of Pope John Paul II on March 1, 1981.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to his son Michael S. Abbate and his wife Cindy, his daughter Maria T. Rossi and her husband, John, his six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Judge Abbate will always be remembered by the people of Guam as a dedicated member of the legal community and a devoted member of the Guam's Catholic community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join the people of Guam in mourning the loss of one of Guam's finest in a senseless hit and run. On the night of December 30, 2007, Guam Police Officer Frankie E. Smith was on his police motorcycle responding to a 911 call for police assistance when he was fatally struck by a drunken driver. I rise to honor and pay tribute to Officer Frankie E. Smith, and all law enforcement personnel on Guam and throughout our country, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our communities.

Officer Frankie E. Smith, a young man of 35 years, was born on August 30, 1972, attended the public schools of Guam and graduated from the 1st Guam Community College Basic Law Enforcement Academy in 1997. He immediately began his career in service to his community in the aftermath of the devastation of Supertyphoon Paka. But even before the completion of his police training, his service to his people and his country began as a citizen soldier of the United States Army and Air Force Reserves. ``Smitty'' wanted to become the best police officer he could be, and this motivated him to seek out and complete extensive training in various areas of law enforcement, including crime scene investigation, responding to terrorist threats, and detection of illegal substances. His desire for greater knowledge and skills was answered through intensive training with various local and Federal law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Officer Smith's tenacity as a police officer was instrumental in solving numerous crimes against property and violent crimes against individuals, in the apprehension and arrest of their perpetrators, and in the recovery of evidence leading to convictions. His skills and motivation as an officer of the law were recognized and commended on numerous occasions by the leadership of the Guam Police Department and the Governor of Guam. His resolve and determination to serve the public and protect our community will be sorely missed by his fellow officers and the citizens of Guam, but his memory will always serve as motivation to those who served with him and to those who will follow.

On behalf of the people of Guam I extend our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his wife Tishawnna Hernandez Smith, daughters, Tamara Perez and Kae'Ana Justine Smith, to his parents, Frank Borja and Teresita Fejeran Smith, and to his fellow brothers and sisters in uniform, the officers in the Guam Police Department.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 916, recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools Week and the success of Catholic education to the personal advancement and academic achievements of students across the United States.

I thank our colleague from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) and our colleague from New York (Mr. Fossella) for their work in sponsoring this worthy resolution and for their leadership on behalf of Catholic education.

The Catholic Church, and its religious orders and congregations across the United States, serve an important and invaluable role in elementary and secondary education for our youth. Many Catholic schools are model schools in the communities they serve and in which they are located. Character education and a well-rounded, balanced and challenging curriculum complemented by a variety of extracurricular activities, a dedicated teaching staff and administration, and a caring community of parents and friends, are the hallmarks of Catholic schools.

Catholic education is centered on families and communities, and it is, like the church, universal in its approach and teachings. Today, Catholic schools are diverse learning communities where a growing number of students and faculty from various faiths, backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and cultures are enrolled. This diversity adds to the richness of the learning opportunities Catholics schools provide for our young people and our families.

Students enrolled today in Catholic schools excel in math and science as well as in grammar and the arts. Students learn with and from support provided by the greater Catholic community and they are taught in an environment where Christian values and strong moral guidance are present.

I join my colleagues on this occasion in acknowledging the value of Catholic education for our communities and for our young people. The work of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Catholic Educational Association, and the Dioceses of the Catholic Church across the country, and the Religious Orders supporting instruction and development at Catholic Schools, is important to the continued success of Catholic education.

The theme of Catholic Schools Week this year appropriately emphasizes and reflects a strong attribute of Catholic education: leadership. ``Catholic Schools Light the Way,'' focuses on the leaders that Catholic Schools educate for the benefit of our communities, our country, and our world. Today, graduates

from Catholic schools enter college and embark upon careers as leaders prepared to contribute to their communities and to make a difference for all humankind.

On this occasion I recognize the Catholic community in my district, on my home island of Guam, for all of the collective efforts undertaken in support of Catholic schools. Today, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana remains committed to serving the people of Guam and most especially our youth. Under the direction of the Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana, Catholic educational institutions on Guam continue to provide quality academic instruction to our students. The contributions of the Catholic school system to the people of Guam are reflected in the success of our local leaders in the clergy, government, and private sector who are alumni of our Catholic schools. The dedication shown by the Archdiocese of Agana to academic excellence and to Catholic education on our island strongly reflects the theme of leadership for Catholic Schools Week, which we will join others across the country in celebrating next week.

Madam Speaker, in 2003, the Congress was made aware of the growing public safety threats created by the private ownership of large predatory cat species, such as lions and tigers, through numerous press accounts of fatal or near-fatal accidental maulings of unsuspecting adults and children. At the urging of a broad range of stakeholders which requested the Congress intercede to restrict the trade and ownership of these inherently wild animals, Congressman Howard P. McKeon and Congressman George Miller of California introduced the Captive Wildlife Safety Act as H.R. 1006 in the 108th Congress on February 27, 2003, to address these threats and to help conserve big cats. The bill proposed to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to add lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, jaguars, or cougars, and all subspecies and hybrids of these species, to the list of ``prohibited wildlife species.'' Since the Lacey Act makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, buy, or possess fish, wildlife or plants taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any Federal, State, foreign, or Native American tribal law, treaty or regulation, this legislation proposed to make it illegal in the future to purchase and hold these animals in captivity, unless certain exceptions are met.

The Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans of the Committee on Resources in the 108th Congress determined during its oversight hearing on the bill on June 12, 2003 that ownership of any large, predatory animal presents substantial risks to the owner, the animal, and the public at large. Ownership risks for large, carnivorous cats are particularly acute. Diverse stakeholders including the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Humane Society of the United States all publicly stated that big cats cannot be humanely maintained without specific expertise, specialized equipment and proper facilities to meet the requisite nutritional, physical and environmental demands of the animals. Additionally, large cats remain extremely expensive animals to feed and maintain, a fiscal constraint which often results in animals being abandoned or euthanized by owners once they grow into maturity. Sadly, few zoos are able to take abandoned large cats due to space constraints and genetic diversity concerns and few licensed animal sanctuaries exist in the United States to care for large carnivores.

Stakeholders also underscored the point that exotic large cats, because they are powerful predatory animals which can react unpredictably, also pose significant public safety threats. This claim was made evident by the tragic October 3, 2003 mauling of Roy Horn--one half of the famed Las Vegas circus duo of Siegfried and Roy--by one of their act's hybrid white tigers. The problem is further compounded by the limited expertise available in local communities to successfully re-capture or humanely sedate a large cat once it has escaped or been provoked, intentionally or not, to attack.

Following the leadership of then-ranking Democrat member, Congressman Nick Rahall of West Virginia, and former Chairman, Richard W. Pombo of California, the Committee on Resources reported favorably this bipartisan, non-controversial legislation to prohibit for the first time interstate and foreign commerce in large predatory cats. This widely supported legislation subsequently cleared the House of Representatives by a vote of 419-0 on November 19, 2003, and was signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 19, 2003, Public Law 108-191. While not authorizing an outright ban on the private ownership of large cats, this important legislation was considered a reasonable first step in limiting the availability and desirability of these animals in the pet trade, as well as a valuable tool in efforts to shut down the illegal trade in tiger parts and products that maintain a lucrative traditional medicine black market in Asia.

Two important events have transpired in the intervening period since the enactment of the Captive Wildlife Safety Act. First, on August 16, 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published in the Federal Register regulations to implement the act, 72 FR 45938. Although overdue, this was an important milestone towards achieving the goals of the act. The second event, related to the first, was the identification by the Service during its rulemaking of a technical error in the act which complicates its enforcement.

Specifically, under the Lacey Act criminal wildlife trafficking prohibitions are built upon a ``two-step'' prohibition scheme. Under section 3372(a), each trafficking violation--with the exception of violations of the Captive Wildlife Safety Act--requires proof of two separate steps involving the wildlife at issue: first, the wildlife must be taken, possessed, transported or sold by someone in violation of existing laws or treaties and, second, the wildlife must be subsequently imported, exported, transported, sold, received, acquired or purchased. These two steps cannot be collapsed by prosecutors into one step or act committed by the defendant. As enacted, the Captive Wildlife Safety Act is a one-step offense within a section of the Lacey Act that presumes two-step violations. Consequently, placement of amendments made by the Captive Wildlife Safety Act in this section of the Lacey Act could make violations of the Captive Wildlife Safety Act potentially difficult to enforce in court because some big cats may be legally possessed to begin with.

In order to clarify the enforcement provisions of the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, I introduced today with my colleague from South Carolina and the ranking Republican member of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, Congressman Henry Brown, the Captive Wildlife Safety Act Technical Amendments Act of 2007. This bill, which is based on legislation which cleared the Senate during the 109th Congress, S. 1415, and extensive consultations with officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Justice, would amend the appropriate sections of the Lacey Act to decouple enforcement of the Captive Wildlife Safety Act from the two-step analysis. This legislation also would make the necessary clarifying amendments to the civil and criminal penalties sections of the Lacey Act to reflect this correction. Officials of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have assured me that these corrections will make the Captive Wildlife Safety Act more readily enforceable, comprehensible, and aligned with the Act's intent to stop trade in dangerous big cats. I have been also assured that should this bill become law the agency will not have to revise its regulations implementing the Captive Wildlife Safety Act.

It is also important to note that all exemptions under the existing Captive Wildlife Safety Act would remain unchanged and in effect. That means that any licensed, registered or federally-inspected zoo, circus, research facility, or aquarium; any individuals accredited by the American Sanctuary Association or Association of Sanctuaries; any State college, university or agency; any State-licensed wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians; any incorporated humane society, animal shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals; and, any federally-licensed and inspected breeder or dealer and individuals transporting a wildlife animal to an exempted person or facility, would remain outside the scope of the Captive Wildlife Safety Act. Also, nothing in the bill I have introduced today would preempt

or supersede any State or territory's authority to regulate wildlife within its borders.

I urge my colleagues to support this non-controversial legislation to ensure that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is able to clamp down on the illegal trade in big cats. Only two weeks ago the Los Angeles Times reported that a wildlife caretaker at the Shambala Preserve in California had been attacked and severely injured by a 4-year old captive tiger. This tragic event should serve to remind all of us that even under expert care, large predatory cats remain a significant threat to public safety that can, and should, be tightly controlled.

Madam Speaker, today I introduced a bill to amend section 8903 of title 5 of the United States Code to authorize the Office of Personnel Management, OPM, to approve companies who offer non-Governmentwide service benefit health care plans to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits, FEHB, Program. Current U.S. law and its supporting regulations restrict companies that offer non- Governmentwide service benefit health care plans from participating in the FEHB Program. Current law authorizes annual approval of only a ervice benefit health care plan for the FEHB Program that is not otherwise considered an employee organization plan and further requires that plan to be offered Governmentwide.

Enactment of the bill I introduced today would allow for local or regional companies offering at least one level of service benefit coverage to participate in the FEHB Program. This additional participation would lead to a greater degree of choice for Federal employees regarding health care plans available to them and their families. Additional participation in and increased choices among the FEHB Program could lower costs for beneficiaries and result in greater quality of coverage. Enactment of the bill could also provide Federal employees residing in rural, underserved, or remote locations needed flexibility toward meeting their and their families' health care needs. I know that in my district greater choice and flexibility with respect to health care plans would improve the quality of life for Federal employees and their families, but it also would go far toward lowering costs of health care coverage for those individuals.

Specifically, the bill I introduced today would amend section 8903 of title 5 of the United States Code to authorize OPM to contract for and approve applications for service benefit plan carriers that offer non- Governmentwide service benefit health care plans. The bill would accomplish this objective by inserting a new paragraph five under section 8903 authorizing one or more fee-for-service plans other than a Governmentwide plan or an employee organization plan eligible for selection through the FEHB Program. The bill also proposes to codify a definition of the term ``State'' in the same provision of law, for the purpose of ensuring companies offering service benefit plans otherwise available to individuals residing in any of the several States, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, CNMI, have equal access to participate in the FEHB Program, in so far as they satisfy other requirements for participation established by law and regulation. The bill would further make certain technical and conforming amendments to current law to support its overall and underlying intent.

On June 1, 2007, the Director of OPM transmitted to Congress a legislative proposal entitled ``Federal Employees Health Benefits Improvements Act of 2007.'' Similar to the bill I introduced today, the administration's proposal would, in part, authorize OPM to contract with companies offering additional types of health benefit plans for participation in the FEHB Program.

I support competition in the health insurance marketplace with the intent of lowering costs, increasing choice for consumers, and improving quality of care. I also support strengthening the FEHB Program and increasing the number and quality of plans made available to Federal employees residing in my district and across the country. I look forward to working with the leaders of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and its Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia on the bill I introduced today and as they consider changes in law governing the administration of the FEHB Program.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2008. I urge my colleagues to pass the conference report because the bill improves the readiness of our men and women in uniform and takes necessary steps toward ensuring that our wounded warriors get the care they deserve. I want to applaud the leadership of Chairman Ike Skelton for working closely with Members on both sides of the aisle and across the Capitol to ensure that the legislation before the House of Representatives today will truly help our servicemembers in the field.

I am especially pleased with section 374 of the bill, which provides for priority transportation on Department of Defense aircraft for military retirees residing in the United States territories who require specialty care that is not available in that territory. Specifically, a military retiree who requires specialty care and is under the age of 65 will be considered under category 4 priority instead of the current category 6 for space-available seats aboard Department of Defense aircraft. Section 374 also requires the Department of Defense to submit a report to Congress indicating how it will internally address the issue of improved TRICARE coverage in the territories. I worked with the Department of Defense over the past several years to address the specialty care travel dilemma but no satisfactory resolution ever emerged. The provision that I sponsored that is contained in this bill begins to address the concerns that have been raised by military retirees on Guam regarding their access to space-available seats on Department of Defense aircraft. This provision represents an improvement over the current situation but more work remains to strengthen TRICARE benefits for retirees in the territories. I thank the professional staff of the House Armed Services Committee who worked diligently with me and my staff to include this provision in the final version of the legislation.

The bill also includes language that allows the U.S. Army to remain as the program management executive for the joint cargo aircraft program. The provision requires several reports to be submitted to Congress before appropriated funds can be expended by the U.S. Army or the U.S. Air Force for procurement of additional aircraft. The joint cargo aircraft program is critical to replacing aging C-23 Sherpa aircraft that are operated by the Army National Guard. It is also critical so that certain Air National Guard units do not lose their flying missions. The joint cargo aircraft program provides critical intra-theater lift capabilities delivering supplies to servicemembers in the field. I thank my colleagues, Mr. Courtney of Connecticut and Mr. Hayes of North Carolina, for their support and leadership on this matter.

As I stated earlier, this piece of legislation helps to improve the readiness of our forces. In particular for Guam, the bill authorizes just over $290 million for military construction on our island. This funding will provide continued economic opportunities for businesses on Guam and begin to fund improvements to critical infrastructure that is needed before the realignment of military personnel begins. In particular, I requested a project be added to the bill to build a technical training facility at Northwest Field on Andersen Air Force Base. This project is a needed training facility for emerging missions at Andersen Air Force Base. As the 607th Training Flight ``Commando Warrior'' Unit moves from Osan Air Base, Korea they will need this facility to ensure optimal readiness for missions at Andersen Air Force Base.

Finally, I am encouraged to see portions of the National Guard Empowerment Act included within H.R. 1585. We will finally give the National Guard the recognition and tools that they need to continue operating as a dual-hatted force responding to crises at home and abroad. As a former lieutenant governor, I know first-hand, how brave, valiant and essential the National Guard is to the safety and security of our Nation. Elevating the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to a four-star general helps to give the Guard the priority in decisionmaking that it deserves. The provision making the National Guard Bureau become a joint activity within the Department of Defense is even more important. Now that the National Guard Bureau is a joint activity I hope that the Department of Defense will give very serious consideration to giving State Adjutants General joint credit for their service to the State or territory. The National Guard is truly a joint force and the work of their general officers should be recognized as such.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to adopt H.R. 1585.