Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I was absent from the chamber during the evening of Thursday, May 17, 2007. Had I been present for six rollcall votes taken that evening on amendments to H.R. 1427, the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007, I would have voted as follows: ``no'' on rollcall No. 378; ``no'' on rollcall No. 379; ``no'' on rollcall No. 380; ``no'' on rollcall No. 381; and ``no'' on rollcall No. 382; and ``no'' on rollcall No. 383.

Madam Speaker, Thomas Jefferson, in 1807, signed into law an Act requiring the President ``to cause a survey to be taken of the coast of the United States . . . together with such other matters as he may deem proper for completing an accurate chart of every part of the coasts.'' The mapping and charting of our coasts and marine waters continues to be an issue of great national importance two hundred years later.

President Jefferson's original intent with that Act was to provide seafarers with nautical charts that would allow for them to safely navigate in the new nation's coastal waters. Since that time, our mapping needs have expanded significantly, and federal agencies have risen to the occasion. Today, at least ten federal agencies conduct mapping and surveying activities to support myriad U.S. interests. Mapping continues, of course, to be done to ensure safe navigation. Understanding the contours of our ocean's floors is imperative for national security. Hydrographic surveys are used to locate and protect cultural resources, such as shipwrecks, and natural formations and other areas worthy of protection. We use them to identify sensitive habitats, and to manage and conserve fishery resources and protected species. Mapping efforts are conducted to identify sources of energy for the country, and to ensure that energy development is done in a way that is compatible with other uses of our oceans, and that protects the natural resources that exist there. Mapping is, in addition, necessary to ensure that ocean observation platforms are sited in a similarly sensitive way.

These ten agencies, along with dozens of private entities, academic institutions, and state and territorial agencies, conduct these activities in a largely, if not entirely, uncoordinated matter. Agencies may use a variety of techniques and spatial frameworks in collecting data and developing products, which leads to incompatibility between data sets and products from one agency to another. One agency is generally unaware of mapping efforts being undertaken by other entities, leading to redundant efforts and unnecessary spending. In addition, these data are not easily accessible, and there exists no central portal through which they can be obtained. The lack of availability means that the public and private sectors both miss out on a significant and useful informational resource.

As you are well aware, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy released a report at the request of the President recommending actions needed to improve ocean policy in the United States. The work of this Commission, as well as that of the Pew Oceans Commission, is being carried on and championed by the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative. The Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, which I chair, held a hearing on March 29, 2007, to learn of the most pressing problems with our current ocean management system. A recurring theme during this hearing was that the lack of coordination between federal agencies and other levels of government is a serious shortcoming of our current ocean management framework. It is in the spirit of this need for better coordination that I introduce today the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act.

Among the suggestions made by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy was a recommendation that existing federal mapping activities be consolidated and coordinated, and that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) lead this effort. At the same time, the National Research Council (NRC) completed a study to identify the most pressing national needs for coastal mapping and charting. This study, requested by NOAA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), three of the primary agencies involved in ocean and coastal surveys, identified the same need for coordination. Their findings included a need for a consistent spatial framework, increased access to geospatial data and mapping products, and increased inter- and intra-agency communication, cooperation, and coordination. The bili that I have introduced today is a direct response to these recommendations.

I have already described the myriad reasons for mapping our oceans and coasts. As a resident of the island of Guam, whose Exclusive Economic Zone includes approximately 80,000 square miles of ocean, it is easy for me to understand the urgency of these needs. I recognize, however, that many Americans, especially those that do not live on the coast, may not share a similar appreciation for the need to improve our country's capabilities in this area. For them, I offer a more simple statement of need. And that is, are not the lands that lay beneath our waters as much a part of this country and our resources as those that lie on our highest peaks and in our deepest valleys? We have mapped every plateau, river, and canyon across our landscape, but have very little detailed information on what lies beneath the waters of our Exclusive Economic Zone and the Great Lakes. Where would we be if 200 years ago Thomas Jefferson had not sent Lewis and Clark out to explore the uncharted West? The need for improving our mapping and charting capabilities could be as simple as a desire to fully understand the extent and nature of our resources.

For some, the thirst for knowledge and to learn what lies beneath our waters may not be a compelling argument for seeking to improve our ocean and coastal mapping capabilities. The issue, however, can be further explained and reframed. If the United States Senate were to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, we will have the opportunity to extend our seaward claim to the edge of our continental shelf, where an estimated $1.3 trillion in oil, mineral, and sedentary species resources lie. Without proof of the extent of that shelf, we forgo these claims.

It is in the interest of national and economic security, the advancement of ocean science, the protection of our cultural and natural resources, and safety of navigation to better coordinate the ocean and coastal mapping capabilities of the United States. By passing this Act, Congress will ensure that our mapping and charting needs are met in an efficient and coordinated manner, that ocean science will advance, and that ocean exploration technologies will continue to develop. It is my hope that my colleagues will support this bill and that they will join me in ensuring that federal agencies' mapping and charting capabilities and products are developed and utilized to their full potential.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 402, a resolution to support the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I thank my colleague from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart) for his leadership on this issue and for introducing this resolution.

Sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, this year the National Hurricane Preparedness Week will be observed from May 20-26, 2007. National Hurricane Preparedness Week is aimed to inform and educate people in the United States about how to prepare for major storms and hurricanes and mitigate the risks to individuals, families, and communities associated with potentially deadly storms. A lack of awareness and preparation by individuals, families, and communities can contribute to the destructive effects of hurricanes, major storms, and other natural disasters.

The people of Guam know well the devastating effects of major storms. This resolution correctly notes that the Central Pacific hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends November 30. Guam, during that period of time, routinely is hit by powerful typhoons that have winds in excess 150 miles per hour.

The hazards associated with hurricanes or typhoons and other major storms are not limited to high winds and massive rains. Storm surges, flooding, and the loss of essential services are also among the serious threats to safety, health, and public order associated with such storms.

The key to managing the full range of threats is planning and coordination among local, State, and Federal officials. The government and people of Guam are well prepared for these storms and to manage their aftermaths largely as a result of the high level of coordination that exists between local and Federal representatives on Guam. In fact, communities across the United States can learn from the model practiced and utilized by the Government of Guam in order to achieve effective coordination between local, State, and Federal authorities.

I encourage other at-risk communities across the United States to heed the advice provided by Federal authorities during National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I also encourage at-risk communities to, throughout the year, be vigilant in their efforts to review, revise, and modernize their planning and capabilities to respond to major storms.

Planning and preparation is also the responsibility of each family in at-risk communities. Some simple strategies can be followed to help mitigate the risk to individual and families before, during and after major storms. They are: development of a family plan; the creation of a disaster supply kit; the securing of home and property; and the sharing of information.

I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 402.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and recognition of United States Army Specialist John D. Flores of Barrigada, Guam. Specialist Flores died on May 3, 2007, as a result to injuries sustained when his unit came under attack in Baghdad, Iraq. SPC Flores was 21 years old. He is the tenth son of Guam to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country in the ongoing war on terror. The loss of an outstanding soldier like Specialist Flores is grave for the entire Nation. But the pain of John's passing is most severely felt by Guam and its people--his beloved home and neighbors.

SPC John Flores was a fine soldier who, like many before him from Guam, served the United States and our community with selfless dedication. He answered our country's call to duty and he made the ultimate sacrifice in our defense.

John was not only a dedicated soldier, but also a kind and generous person, a devoted husband, and a loving father. He had been married to his wife Charlene for just over a year. They graduated together from George Washington High School in 2004. John was immensely proud of, and loved dearly, his daughter, Chloe. His family will always remember him being a young man who celebrated life to its fullest and one who possessed maturity beyond his years. His love for his family, his devotion to his island, and his dedication to his country and flag will always serve as an outstanding role model for and inspiration to his family, friends, and future generations of Guam soldiers.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Specialist Flores's passing, as I have been for all of the servicemembers from our island and communities across the United States who have given their lives in service to our country. I join the people of Guam and all Americans in offering my most sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers to SPC John Flores' family, friends, and fellow soldiers during this difficult time. In particular, on behalf of a grateful country, I extend my deepest sympathies to John's wife, Charlene, and his daughter, Chloe. Our country and our island owe Specialist Flores and his loved ones an unpayable debt of gratitude for the sacrifice they have made on our behalf.

John was an admirable son of Guam, a proud American soldier. He proved that he was willing and prepared to defend his country and his home island, no matter what the price. He lost his life in the noble effort to rebuild a nation in freedom so that others might some day know the joys of liberty and justice. And for that sacrifice, we are eternally grateful. God Bless John Flores, and God Bless our great country, the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Paul Joseph Bordallo, a leader whose service to Guam as a senator, a businessman, and as a community activist, leaves an indelible mark in the history of our island and will be remembered for many years to come. Paul passed away on May 12, 2007, leaving his wife, the former Arlene Perez Bias; his children, Penelope, Oliver, Renata, Jonathan, Paul, Alethea, and Rosalia; his grandchildren, and a large extended family, which includes myself. Paul was my brother-in-law, the younger brother of my late husband, Ricardo J. Bordallo, the sons of Balthazar J. Bordallo.

But Paul did not stand in the shadow of his father or brother. He cast a very long shadow of his own, in both the business and political arenas on Guam. Paul Bordallo was a statesman and a visionary in his own right and our island has lost a truly great man.

The impact of his ideals and accomplishments has been profound and lasting. Paul was proud of his Chamorro heritage and was a staunch proponent of indigenous civil, political, cultural, and land rights, but he did not clamor for attention to these issues. Where other activists sought action through protests and demonstrations, Paul instead worked diligently to address and secure these rights through the political process. He was a soft-spoken intellectual who relied on reason and logic to make his point.

As a member of the 11th and 12th Guam Legislatures, Paul authored the Chamorro Land Trust Act, which reserves public land for the use and benefit of Guam's indigenous people; the Guam Historic Preservation Act and the law making English and Chamorro the official languages of Guam. He co-authored the Guam Territorial Seashore Protection Act and the Ocean Shore and Territory Beach Access Act, mandating public access to all

beaches and shorelines. He co-authored legislation to establish the first Political Status Commission, which sought to address the still- unresolved issue of political self-determination for the people of Guam. Paul was a member of the Commission on Self-Determination, which crafted Guam's Draft Commonwealth Act, a proposed transition which was to culminate in a final political status for Guam. Paul was the author and major proponent of the provisions for the Chamorro only vote and a political relationship with the United States based on mutual consent. These issues remain highly controversial, even to this day, and although Paul played a pivotal role in advancing them, his insight and his wisdom won him the admiration and respect of many in our community.

As evidenced by his legislative agenda, Paul Bordallo's love for Guam's natural environment was visionary and uncompromising. In the 1970s, he was instrumental in the efforts which thwarted the Navy's plans to condemn land surrounding Sella and Cetti Bays, two of Guam's most scenic vistas and visitor attractions, for a new ammunition wharf. This ultimately resulted in the construction of the new ammunition wharf on Orote Peninsula, land already controlled by the Navy, and the release of the old ammunition wharf, on Cabras Island, to the civilian government for development of its ocean freight capacity. Although ahead of his time, Paul's opposition to the condemnation of additional land for military purposes paved the way for cooperative efforts between the federal government and the people of Guam to resolve land issues.

Paul served on the board of the Guam Memorial Hospital for 9 years, from 1961 to 1970, including three terms as board chairman. In the wake of Supertyphoon Karen, Paul served on the Small Business Administration's Disaster Loan Board from 1963 to 1966. Paul also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guam Economic Development Authority from 1996 to 1998. He was an advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, DC, and a long- time member of the Democratic Party of Guam, the Guam Chamber of Commerce, and the Guam Visitors Bureau.

As class president, Paul graduated from Guam's George Washington High School in 1948. He attended St. Mary's College in Moraga, California, with a 4.0 grade average. He then transferred to Stanford University and, as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, graduated cum laude with degrees in economics and anthropology in 1952. He earned a master's in business administration and finance from Harvard University's School of Business in 1954. Upon returning to Guam, Paul went to work for Guam Savings and Loan Association, headed by Joseph Flores. He was drafted into the army in 1956 and served for 2 years. In 1959, he started his own business, Family Finance Company, Incorporated. An avid boater and fisherman, he also established Marianas Boats and Motors, Inc., to serve Guam's boating and fishing community. Both firms are still in business today.

Despite his failing health in recent years, Paul remained a pillar of strength and courage for the entire Bordallo family. I often turned to him for his wisdom and good judgment. We all will miss him dearly and we find solace in knowing that the people of Guam join us in mourning his passing and honoring his memory.

Madam Speaker, I was absent from the Chamber during the early morning hours of Friday, May 11, 2007, and was therefore unable to record my vote on three postponed votes that were taken in the Committee of the Whole House on the State

of the Union. Had I been present for those votes on amendments to H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, I would have voted as follows: ``no'' on rollcall No. 337; ``no'' on rollcall No. 338; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 339.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to SFC (Ret.) Frankie Salas Cruz for his service to his community. I commend the United States Army on Fort Hood for dedicating a Family Readiness building in honor of Sergeant Frankie Cruz. Sergeant Cruz and his 2 children, Jade Christine, and Christopher Frankie, tragically passed away on February 14, 2007 after a terrible car accident.

Sergeant Cruz was born on September 20, 1958 in Tamuning, Guam, the loving son of Juan Camacho and Luisa Borja Cruz. Sergeant Cruz was dedicated to public service from his earliest years. Many fondly remember his service as a Scoutmaster for Troop 200 and to the First Baptist Church of Lampasas, Texas. After graduating from Guam Vocational-Technical High School, he completed his Associates Degree from the University of Maryland in 1984.

During college, Sergeant Cruz, began his distinguished service to the Nation. He completed 3 years of Reserve Officer Training Corps, ROTC, leadership training then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He retired from the Army after 22 years of honorable and faithful service to our Nation. Most notably, Sergeant Cruz served our Nation honorably during the First Gulf War in 1991 and, most recently, in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

It is only appropriate that the Army name this facility after Sergeant Cruz to honor his 22 years of dedicated service. Employees and friends throughout his career note Sergeant Cruz's ``can do'' attitude with every project or task he was assigned. In fact, at the time of his passing, Sergeant Cruz had embarked as team lead for a $39 million base building rehabilitation project. The respect and admiration everyone had for Sergeant Cruz will be eternally memorialized at this building on Fort Hood.

Sergeant Cruz's daughter Jade, and son Christopher, will also be remembered fondly. Jade was born on April 12, 1988 in Fort Eustis, Virginia. Her beauty, energy and vitality were just some of the attributes that made her an accomplished athlete and cheerleader. Beyond her athletic prowess, Jade took her academics seriously and was a student at Central Texas College at the time of her passing.

Christopher was born on September 7, 1989 in Fort Eustis, Virginia. Christopher will be remembered as an accomplished scholar and member of the Junior National Honor Society. Like many other in his generation, Christopher volunteered many of his hours toward various goodwill projects. Also, much like his father, he was a highly decorated Boy Scout earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Christopher's talents also transcended into music. He was the drum major in the Lampasas Marching Band and played the saxophone in the high school jazz band.

The tremendous accomplishments of Jade and Christopher are reflective of their father's love, care and passion for his children. Learning of these accomplishments makes their passing even more difficult to bear. I take solace in that the memory of their love, passion and hard work will always be on display for the Fort Hood community.

I join the people of Guam and the Fort Hood community in mourning the passing of Sergeant Frankie Cruz and his children, Jade and Christopher. I offer my condolences to their wife and mother, Mrs. Linda Cruz, Sergeant Cruz's other sons and their extended family. I thank Sergeant Cruz for his admirable service to our Nation in times of great difficulty and to the support his children provided. The Cruz family can all be proud of their family's achievements and strength.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. The provisions of this bill are critical to our national security and to improving the readiness for our fighting men and women who serve our country so ably. I commend Chairman Ike Skelton, Ranking Member Duncan Hunter, and my colleagues on the Committee on Armed Services for their leadership and work on writing this important legislation. The work of the committee ensures that this Congress will make a meaningful and positive impact on our Armed Forces.

Many members of the United States armed services, including scores of servicemembers from Guam, are at duty stations in the United States, at sea, or are deployed to combat zones and elsewhere around the world today. I have had the unique opportunity, since I was elected to Congress in 2002 and sworn into office in 2003, to travel to many of the combat zones and visit with our servicemembers there. I remain impressed by the professionalism of the members of the United States armed services. I am inspired by their continued, steadfast commitment to their achieving their missions. And I am heartened by their daily, unquestioned acts of bravery performed in defense of the American way of life, despite the hostile intentions and aggressive actions of persistent and deadly enemies.

The responsibilities and obligations of members of the United States armed services are significant and honorable, but not without great risk. The tenth soldier from Guam to be killed in action during operations support of the war on terror will soon be laid to rest by his family, friends, and a grateful country. I, like all of my colleagues, am deeply saddened when we learn that the life of one of our country's finest young men and women has been ended as a result of their service to our country. Such a loss is grave to the United States and to the United States armed services. But there is no doubt their passing is a more grievous loss to their family, friends, and communities who knew and loved them as individuals. All of us should try to find comfort in the thought that our service men and women serve so that others might someday know the joys of liberty and justice. And for that, we should all be proud and thankful.

We have the opportunity today to act and renew our commitment to our servicemembers. Supporting this legislation will help provide for our military heroes and their families. There are few who deserve our support and gratitude more than these individuals and their spouses and children. At home and abroad, they serve and represent our country and government in a manner that is both honorable and admirable.

This legislation in particular addresses many critical issues that face Guam, our community and the existing and planned military facilities for our island. Included in this bill are authorizations for a total of over $300 million of military construction projects on Guam for fiscal year 2008. This amount represents a significant increase above the amount of military construction funding that was authorized and appropriated for Guam for fiscal year 2007. I welcome this significant increase in investment in Guam. These increases improve the facilities and capabilities of the military bases on Guam. But they also help Guam's business community to begin to build the capacity that it will need in order to successfully compete for, and complete the scopes of work of, the tremendous amount of military construction planned to support the rebasing of United States Marines from Okinawa, Japan, to Guam.

The bill before us today includes approvals for full funding of several key infrastructure projects at Naval Base Guam. Among them is an authorization for $59.4 million to improve the base's electrical system security; for $57.2 million for Naval family housing; for $51.8 million to expand wharf capacity at Kilo Wharf in Apra Harbor; for $42.5 million for a new fitness center on base; for $40.8 million to repair and upgrade the base's wastewater treatment plant; and for $31.4 million to build Phase I of a potable water distribution system on base. This legislation would also provide authorizations to fund needed projects at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam. The authorizations are for $15.8 million for two projects at Northwest Field to support the 607th Training Flight ``Commando Warrior'' unit that will soon relocate from Osan Air Base, Korea, to Guam.

In addition to military construction projects, H.R. 1585 addresses quality of life issues for military retirees and military dependents on Guam. The Department of Defense has been unresponsive to the needs of retirees on Guam who are reliant on the TRICARE system. Military retirees who live on Guam who are referred off island for specialty care are forced to travel to those locations at their own expense. These trips to access referred specialty care in Hawaii or California cost in the

thousands of dollars. The Department of Defense used to cover this significant expense. But in 2005 it suddenly changed its policy and practice and discontinued reimbursements to retirees for the travel expenses they incur as a result of such referrals. I raised this matter repeatedly during committee hearings since 2005. I have written to Department officials regarding this issue, and discussed it with them during meetings. The committee included report language on this matter in the report that accompanied H.R. 1815, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2005. Unfortunately, the Department has taken no action to provide relief to Guam's retirees.

I understand that this is a challenging issue. But Guam's retirees deserve to be treated better and deserve resolution brought to this matter. This is why I requested that H.R. 1585 include a provision that would authorize retirees requiring specialty care at off-island medical facilities to receive space-available category 4 level seating priority. Additionally, I have requested that the Department of Defense be required to submit to the committee a report that would identify the administrative actions needed to be executed in order to provide relief to the affected TRICARE beneficiaries residing in the territories of the United States. I most sincerely hope that the Department takes a very close look at its current policies and provides the committee with a thoughtful, innovative, and actionable plan to resolve this matter. I remain committed to working with the Department toward this end.

The report accompanying H.R. 1585 includes language that directs the Department of Defense to conduct a study on the treatment of general and flag officers, and other servicemembers who are called out of retirement to serve their country. It has come to my attention that there are numerous instances where officers left active duty or reserve status only to return and were not allowed to retire at the highest grade attained. In an era where our Reserve components are operational forces, we can ill afford losing any servicemembers who have the institutional knowledge and expertise that is critical to maintaining a ready and operational force. Moreover, we must ensure that our Reserve component members are treated equitably and fairly. I am committed to ensuring that the affected servicemembers receive a fair and equitable solution to this issue and that they be able to retire with the benefits they have earned. I commit that I will work closely with the Department to ensure that we come to a fair solution to this matter.

Finally, I was honored to co-sponsor the National Guard Empowerment Act under the leadership of Mr. Taylor of Mississippi, Mr. Davis of Virginia, and Mr. Hayes of North Carolina. I am pleased that a substantial portion this legislation has been incorporated into H.R. 1595. After comprehensive studies undertaken by various research institutions and by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserve we finally have legislation that addresses the concerns brought forward in these studies. We will finally give the National Guard a seat at the table. As Lieutenant Governor, I know firsthand, how brave, valiant, and essential the National Guard is to the safety and security of our country. Elevating the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to a four- star general allows the Bureau to overcome certain cultural dynamics within the Department of Defense. The provisions making the National Guard Bureau a joint activity and the requirement to have the Chief of the National Guard Bureau help identify Department of Defense civil support requirements are even more essential. If we are to give the National Guard a seat at the table, then we must ensure that the root problems are rectified. Nothing can be more important than ensuring that we have a ready force to respond to natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Where other departments and agencies have failed in previous years, I am confident that the National Guard will develop a solid lay down of requirements so that we, as a country, are truly ready to respond to emergencies. I also believe, consistent with my other initiatives, that the Department should give very serious consideration to allowing State Adjutants Generals joint credit for their service to the State. The National Guard is truly a joint force and the work of their general officers should be recognized as such.

I support this bill Mr. Chairman. There are quality provisions in it that will benefit the bases on Guam. The quality of life experienced by military personnel who are stationed there and their families who accompany them will be improved as a result of passage of this bill. The provisions of this bill moreover will help us better serve retirees who have served us so nobly in their careers. Indeed, this bill will make notable contributions to the security of the United States and to defending our country's interests around the world. But I want to take this opportunity to note my concern regarding a couple of matters contained in or related to the provisions of this bill.

The Committee has authorized the funding for the Kilo Wharf project at Naval Base Guam, but has directed a phased approach to executing this project. The administration opposes this approach. I share these concerns. I am particularly concerned that the funding for this project will receive further cuts as this bill proceeds through the legislative process. I encourage the Department of the Navy to redouble its efforts to ensure that this project can proceed according to plan and to engage with me in dialogue regarding potential barriers to success for it. The Kilo Wharf project is critical to increasing wharf capacity at Naval Base Guam. Guam offers the United States Armed Forces a strategic location to counter threats posed by the People's Republic of China, North Korea, and al Qaeda affiliated terrorist forces in Southeast Asia. Further funding reductions for the Kilo Wharf project will negatively impact the ability of our commander to re-fit and re-supply vessels operating in, and to respond to contingencies, in the region.

Madam Speaker, I was absent from the chamber during the morning of Friday, April 20, 2007. Had I been present for the seven rollcall votes taken on amendments to H.R. 1257, the Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act, I would have voted ``nay'' on each one. This includes a ``nay'' vote on rollcalls numbered 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, and 242.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably delayed in arriving to the chamber earlier today during the recorded vote on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Thompson, to H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Had I been able to record my vote on this amendment, rollcall No. 314, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1873, the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act. I commend my good friend from New York (Ms. Velazquez) the Chairwoman of the Committee on Small Business for her leadership on this important legislation, and our colleague from Iowa (Mr. Braley), the bill's sponsor, for his work in crafting this legislation.

This legislation would amend the Small Business Act to, among other things, revise and add to Small Business Administration (SBA) requirements concerning contract bundling; increase the government-wide goal for participation by small businesses in federal procurement and service contracts; include overseas contracts in such goal; and require certain small businesses to annually recertify compliance with maximum small business size standards for eligibility for SBA-awarded contracts and subcontracts. These changes will make needed improvements to the contracting activities of federal departments and agencies with respect to America's small businesses.

This legislation also contains provisions that would direct the SBA Administrator to develop and maintain a database to assist small businesses in marketing to large corporations that have not achieved their small business goals; contact registered small businesses regarding the likelihood of federal contracting opportunities; prescribe regulations governing SBA review of subcontracting plans; ensure that whenever a small business loses a protest over its size, a notification is placed adjacent to the listing for that business in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR); and ensure a biannual review of the CCR to purge businesses no longer considered small businesses. The SBA Administrator, as a result of this legislation, will be more able to advocate on behalf of and support America's small businesses.

The federal marketplace today is worth upwards of $380 billion. That is, the federal government is the world's largest buyer of goods and services. Unfortunately, year after year, many federal agencies fall short of meeting mandated small business contracting goals. As a result, the numbers of and overall dollar amounts for contracts awarded to small businesses by departments and agencies of the federal government are not keeping pace with the overall growth of the federal marketplace. This legislation would go far toward addressing this disturbing trend.

Small businesses constitute nearly ninety percent of the businesses in my district. Supporting them is a top priority for me. Small businesses are the engine of America's economy, representing roughly ninety-nine percent of all employers, creating half of our gross domestic product, and creating up to eighty percent of the new jobs today.

Of particular importance to me, my constituents, and Guam's business community is Department of Defense small business contracting performance. The Department of Defense controls approximately seventy percent of the federal government's contracting dollars. But it controls the vast majority of the federal marketplace in my district, Guam. The amount of contracts issued by the Department of Defense for work on Guam will increase significantly in the years ahead as a result of the planned increase in the military presence on the island.

Ensuring that small businesses are prepared to and can successfully compete for contracts awarded by the Department of Defense is of particular importance to me. This is why I was very concerned last year when the Committee on Small Business issued its Scorecard VII Report. This report detailed federal government performance toward meeting small business contracting goals and found that approximately $8 billion of Department of Defense contracting money reported as going to small businesses was, in fact, provided to large businesses. I was further concerned to learn from that report the Department of Defense from 2004 to 2005 has reduced its small business contract actions by sixty-five percent, despite the department having experienced a thirteen percent increase in total volume of contracts during the same period of time. I am particularly encouraged by the provisions contained in this bill that provide small businesses a better opportunity to compete for government contracts by making it harder for government agencies to bundle contracts into billion dollar super- contracts. This will put small businesses on a more level playing field with large corporations.

Nothing in this bill would change the fact that America's small business owners and operators must remain the hardworking innovators that they are and that they always have been in order for them to remain competitive and successful in the modem economy. This is particularly the case on Guam. Guam's small businesses will have to compete with bigger and better resourced companies that have significant capacity and that want to do business on Guam in support of the planned military build-up. The pace of business on Guam will increase significantly. Guam's small firms need to prepare today to be ready to succeed in a more competitive environment. To do this, I continue to encourage Guam's small business owners and operators to, among other things, identify what their business does well today; what it can do better tomorrow; and what it can do better than others over the course of the military build-up on Guam.

But this much is true: America's small businesses deserve fairer treatment in the federal marketplace than they currently receive. This is why I support H.R. 1873. It is a bipartisan measure that represents a vital step toward leveling the playing field for America's twenty-six million small businesses. In doing so, H.R. 1873 will help improve America's economy. Moreover, this legislation is critical toward improving the accountability in government contracting to America's small businesses. I urge my colleagues support for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, the people of Guam endured a brutal occupation of public executions, beheadings, rape, beatings, forced labor, forced march, and internment in concentration camps during the occupation of Guam in World War II.

So why are we just now dealing with war claims? Because a Federal Guam War Claims Review Commission appointed by Secretary Norton reaffirmed what the Hopkins Commission found in 1947, that the Guam war claims issue has not been addressed. And here is this report, over 1,000 pages.

Let me say this in a clear way. The people who were occupied were ignored by their own government. All war claims were settled by Congress for the American people. The commission found this has never been rectified for Guam. The review commission stated very clearly, Mr. Speaker, this is our moral obligation.

So I urge today my colleagues to pass H.R. 1595 to fulfill this moral obligation to American citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 355, a resolution recognizing and welcoming the leaders of the Pacific Islands to Washington, D.C., and commending the East-West Center for hosting the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders.

I am encouraged by the strong support that Congress continues to display toward promoting closer political, economic and cultural ties among the islands and the countries of the Pacific region. This resolution is evidence of the East-West Center's excellent work toward facilitating the achievement of those goals.

We have the unique honor this week of hosting a State visit by the Queen of England. She and her husband, Prince Phillip, began their 6- day trip to the United States in Virginia last week. Notably, the Queen addressed the State's General Assembly and visited Jamestown, which is observing the 400th anniversary of the founding of the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

Indeed, Great Britain and the United States enjoy close, special relations established in revolution, forged in world wars and tempered by peace and economic growth. This is a relationship to cherish. But let us not forget that the United States is fortunate to have formed special relationships elsewhere in the world. Those relationships are similarly important, especially those that we share with the islands of the Pacific region.

Like with Great Britain, the United States shares an ocean with its friends in the Pacific. But we also share common histories, culture and, among other things, a great desire for peace and economic security and prosperity that forge indelible bonds between our peoples. House Resolution 355 recognizes this. The resolution notes the United States is a Pacific nation, and I could not agree more wholeheartedly and firmly. The gaze of the United States must be west. The Pacific Century is undoubtedly upon us, and we are fortunate to have such strong friendships and alliances established there.

The eighth meeting of the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders, which will occur this week in Washington, D.C., is evidence of the strong relationship that exists between the United States and the islands of the Pacific. The Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders, hosted by the East-West Center with the support of the Department of State, is comprised of 20 heads of government from the Pacific Islands region and meets once every 3 years. The conference members include: American Samoa, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji Islands, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Notably, this is the first time the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders has been held in Washington, and that the commitment of the United States to the conference could not be stronger or broader is encouraging. Very encouraging.

Interagency delegations to the conference this week will include representatives from the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the United States Agency for International Development, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States Coast Guard, the Peace Corps and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. These representatives' participation during the conference will further enhance the already excellent work on the part of their departments and agencies within the region.

Mr. Speaker, we owe special thanks to the East-West Center for its efforts to organize this event. The East-West Center is an education and research organization established by the United States Congress in 1960 in order to strengthen relations and understandings achieved between the United States and the peoples and the countries of Asia and the Pacific.

As noted in House Resolution 355, the center successfully contributes to a peaceful, a prosperous and a just Asia-Pacific community by serving as a vigorous hub for cooperative research, education and dialogue on critical issues of common concern to the Asia-Pacific region and the United States.

The East-West Center has established for itself a strong reputation as an ideal forum for emerging leaders and regional specialists to discuss issues and strengthen relations with their colleagues, and I strongly support their ongoing efforts in this regard.

Representing Guam at the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders will be the Honorable Felix Camacho, the Governor of Guam, and accompanying him will be his wife, our first lady of Guam, Joann Camacho. I welcome them to our Nation's capital and wish them the best during their discussions with their colleagues from the region.

Guam, both the United States territory and a Pacific Island, is a leader in the region economically, politically and in terms of regional security. Guam, and the perspective of its people, will continue to have a unique and influential role in the region in the years to come as a result of the changing posture of the United States military in the Asia-Pacific region and the increased economic activity that is planned for the island in the coming years. I sincerely hope that the relationship that Guam shares with its Pacific Island partners will grow stronger during this period.

And, finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank and recognize our distinguished colleague from American Samoa, Mr. Faleomavaega, for his leadership as chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, and the Global Environment. We are all indebted to him for his command of the issues of concern to our allies in the Pacific and for his leadership in strengthening United States foreign defense and economic policy.

I urge adoption of House Resolution 355.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1595) to implement the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1595, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act; and I thank Chairman Nick Rahall and Ranking Member Don Young for their leadership on this issue and their assistance in bringing this bill to the floor today.

I also want to thank Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Chairman John Conyers of the House Committee on the Judiciary for their support of this bill and for their assistance in expediting its consideration today.

H.R. 1595 implements the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission, which was authorized by Public Law 107-333 to review the war claims program for Guam, which Congress provided for following the occupation of Guam from December 8, 1941 to July 21, 1944. The review commission, appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, in September of 2003, was mandated to determine whether there was parity of war claims paid to the residents of Guam under the Guam Meritorious Claims Act as compared with awards made to similarly affected United States citizens or nationals in territory occupied by the Imperial Japanese military forces during World War II.

Further, the review commission was mandated to advise on any additional compensation that may be necessary to compensate the people of Guam for death, personal injury, forced labor, forced march and internment. In accomplishing its task, the review commission held two days of hearings on Guam in December of 2003 to receive testimony from survivors of the occupation of Guam. The review commission also held hearings here in Washington, D.C. and consulted with a panel of experts in this field of law. The review commission completed its work and reported to Congress its findings and recommendations on June 9, 2004. The review commission found that there was a lack of parity between the war claims program authorized for Guam versus the programs authorized for all other Americans similarly affected and recommended that Congress remedy this injustice.

I want to quote the first finding of the review commission's report for the benefit of all of my colleagues: ``The review commission finds that there is a moral obligation on the part of our national government to pay compensation for war damages in order to ensure to the extent possible that no single individual or group of individuals bears more than a just part of the overall burden of war.''

Today, Mr. Speaker, we consider a bill that would fulfill this moral obligation on the part of our National Government to a group of citizens, the people of Guam, most of whom were indigenous Chamorros, who bore the burden of a brutal occupation. The people of Guam were brutalized through public executions, beheadings, rape and severe injury, forced labor, forced march and internment in concentration camps.

H.R. 1595 is called the Loyalty Recognition Act because the loyalty of the people of Guam to the United States during this 32-month enemy occupation should be honored. It is a tragic injustice of history that, following liberation, Congress did not provide for war

claims for the people of Guam in the same manner and with the same opportunities that were afforded to other Americans.

The people who carried a disproportionate burden of the war were given less than other Americans when it came time to make our Nation whole, and those who gave more in blood got less in recognition. Over and over at the hearings on Guam, people said, ``We just want to be recognized. We just want to be treated with respect. We just want to receive the same restitution that other Americans received.''

I want to acknowledge the excellent work of the Guam War Claims Review Commission chaired by Mauricio Tamargo, with Members Robert Lagomarsino, a former Member of Congress; Ms. Ruth Van Cleve, Director of the Office of Territories in the Department of Interior; former Chief Justice Ben Benjamin J. Cruz of the Guam Supreme Court; and Senator Antonio Unpingco of the Guam legislature. Their report provided the basis for today's bill, and their contributions are greatly appreciated.

I also want to acknowledge the efforts of my predecessors to bring the war claims issue to the attention of Congress, beginning with our very first Delegate to Congress, the late Mr. Antonio B. Won Pat, followed by the efforts of our second Delegate to Congress, retired Marine Brigadier General Ben Blaz, who is here with us today on the floor to witness this discussion, and my immediate predecessor, Congressman Robert A. Underwood, whose legislation in the 107th Congress created the review commission. Our work today, and the historic progress of the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, is possible only because of the foundation that each of these contributed to this bipartisan effort.

The issue of Guam war claims has been studied and examined by this body over the past 24 years. Several hearings have been held, and the record is replete with testimony from survivors, legal experts, historians and scholars. Committee staff members have played a valuable role in this process by ensuring the right questions were asked, that Members were briefed, and that the issue was thoroughly examined.

I want to thank Jim Zoia, Staff Director of the Natural Resources Committee, and Tony Babauta, Staff Director of the Insular Affairs Subcommittee. Tony is a Chamorro from Guam, whose insights have been invaluable. I also acknowledge the counsels to the committee, Jeff Petrich, Brian Modeste, Lisa Pittman and Rich Stanton, who have worked very hard on this legislation.

This afternoon, we stand on the brink of a historic moment for the people of Guam. I regret, Mr. Speaker, that many survivors of the occupation of Guam did not live to see this day, and I fear that some will pass away before this bill completes its legislative journey. But we have this moment to recall why we fight this fight, on whose behalf we are speaking today and why it is so vitally important to our Nation that we recognize the incredible sacrifices of the people of Guam during World War II.

I very much doubt that any foreign power will ever again occupy American soil and place American citizens under subjugation. The story of the people of Guam will thus be a unique story, less known than the bombing of Pearl Harbor and other heroic stories of World War II. It is a story of faith in our Nation, of hope in our God and of love for our families.

If I could vote, Mr. Speaker, on final passage of this bill, it would be my greatest honor to recognize the people of Guam by voting to pass this bill. But since I cannot vote as a Delegate, I offer all of my colleagues the honor of recognizing their fellow Americans and passing this bill today.

God bless Guam. God bless the United States of America.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for a colloquy.

That was my understanding at the time.

Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will yield, in answer to the questions raised, let me just put it this way: There are several categories in the bill to pay for compensation. One is for living survivors of the occupation; $15,000 for rape or severe personal injury, such as loss of limb, dismemberment or paralysis; $12,000 for forced labor or personal injury that is less severe in nature, such as disfigurement, scaring or burns; $10,000 for forced march, internment or hiding to evade internment.

Category two is for death claims, $25,000 to a spouse or children of a Guamanian who died during the occupation.

Category three for descendants of deceased survivors; $7,000 to descendants of injured or interned survivors who have passed away, irrespective of the injury or the harm sustained.

The total of this legislation, we are asking $126 million for claims and $5 million for grants for the Department of Interior to promote activities related to the occupation.

Also another question, if I could answer, why is the U.S. paying for this instead of Japan? The United States inherited the obligation of reparations due to the treaty of peace with Japan which ended hostilities with Japan. It is the standard practice that citizens make claims to their own government arising from hostilities. It is the responsibility of the United States to make the people of Guam whole. Guamanians were U.S. nationals at the time of the occupation by Japan.

Not to my knowledge. The U.S. inherited this.

Due to the treaty of peace.

That is correct. It is the United States responsibility to make Guam whole.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month and to recognize the contributions of Asian and Pacific Island Americans to our Nation. First, I want to thank my colleague from California, the Honorable Mr. Honda, the chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, for his distinct leadership and dedication to the needs of our communities.

Every May during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we recognize the contributions Asian and Pacific Island Americans make to the United States economically, culturally, politically, throughout its history. Asian and Pacific Islander Americans continue to make notable and diverse contributions to every aspect of American life. Asian and Pacific Island Americans also serve public interests by serving honorably in the United States Armed Services and ably at every level of government in the United States. I am proud to participate in the effort to honor their contributions to this country and celebrate our heritage with this month's events.

Some people wonder why we continue to celebrate cultural diversity. I respond by saying that doing so helps to remind us that while many of us have no memory of fleeing oppression or desiring to live freely, many Vietnamese Americans can tell you of their desire to live freely and the risks that they took fleeing communism to do so. Or, the experiences of some Korean Americans can help us better understand the importance of family and the hardships and the pain created as a result of being kept apart from loved ones for generations. While many of our lives are relatively stable and certain, some Chinese Americans or Japanese Americans can inspire you with their stories of succeeding here in the United States after arriving with no money and no possessions.

Freedom and economic opportunity are attributes of the United States that have, for generations, inspired hope among the repressed people of the world. Some of us take the United States and the American way of life for granted. The United States and the privilege and the goodness of America's way of life are particularly important for at least two groups among the Asian and Pacific Islander American community. They are Chamorro or Filipino-Americans. And I say that because Chamorro or Filipino-Americans are among the very few Americans who can identify with heart-swelling pride inspired by witnessing the striking and the unique beauty of the Stars and Stripes flying proudly at the top of flagpoles for the first time after enduring and being liberated from a brutal and extended occupation by the foreign power.

To all Americans I say this: To learn of the experiences endured by these Americans during occupation and liberation will provide you invaluable perspective on what it means to be an American. In fact, before the House this week is H.R. 1595, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. This bill would help fulfill a moral obligation on the part of our national government to a group of citizens, the people of Guam, most of whom were indigenous Chamorros who bore the burden of a brutal occupation. The people of Guam were brutalized through public executions, beheadings, rape, and severe injury, forced labor, forced march, and internment in concentration camps.

H.R. 1595 is called the Loyalty Recognition Act because the loyalty of the people of Guam to the United States during this 32-month enemy occupation should be honored.

It is a tragic injustice of history that, following liberation, Congress did not provide for war claims for the people of Guam in the same manner and with the same opportunities that were afforded to other Americans. The people who carried a disproportionate burden of the war were given less than other Americans when it came time to make our Nation whole. Those who gave more in blood got less in recognition. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month would be especially noteworthy if this legislation were to be agreed to by the House of Representatives.

Asians and Pacific Islanders have a powerful story to tell, and they have a love for this Nation that many take for granted. Our contribution to America is not just the great food and the intriguing cultures that we have introduced to this land; it is also the stories of our incredible journeys to freedom.

Our heritage is our gift to this Nation. Our unique cultures have survived and continue to thrive because America has come to know and appreciate how our contributions enrich our Nation.

I am very, very proud of the Chamorro culture on Guam and take every opportunity to share our culture and our traditions.

Today it is worth reflecting on who we are as a Nation and what values we stand for. We are a Nation of immigrants whose parents and grandparents have come to these shores seeking individual liberty, prosperity and human dignity. The Nation we call our own is one of compassion and of justice. And when it comes to our heritage, we may be Chamorros, Hawaiian, Japanese, Samoan, Chinese, Filipino, Palauan, Chuukese, Korean or any of the various proud cultures of Asia and the Pacific, but we all share a common love for this country.

So as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor the contributions of all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, and let us appreciate the cultural diversity, the patriotism and the communities that make our country, that make America so great.

Dangkulo na Si Yu'os Ma'ase.