Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions to our community and the international achievements of Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda. Daisaku Ikeda is the President of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a Buddhist association of approximately 12 million members in over 180 countries, including members throughout the United States and in my home district of Guam. The Ikedas have dedicated their lives to the promotion of international peace, the protection of religious freedom, and the safeguarding of fundamental human rights. Soka Gakkai International was formally established on January 26, 1975 in a ceremony on Guam which was attended by representatives from around the world. Guam has since welcomed this organization and its leaders on various occasions and we continue to value our friendship with the Ikedas and Soka Gakkai International members.

Daisaku Ikeda's leadership has been recognized by many international organizations. He was awarded the United Nations Peace Medal, the Simon Wiesenthal Center's International Tolerance Award and the Rosa Parks Humanitarian Award. Daisaku Ikeda is the founder of numerous educational and cultural institutions in Japan and the United States. He founded the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, the Min-On Concert Association, the Boston Research Center for the 21st Century, and the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research. A prolific writer and poet, Daisaku Ikeda has published more than 200 works in more than 25 languages, all in his effort to promote peace and international understanding. He has been conferred over 200 honorary degrees from universities throughout the world.

Kaneko's partnership with Daisaku began with their marriage on May 3, 1952, and since then, they have been a dynamic team that mutually supports each other's work. Kaneko Ikeda shares her husband's philosophy and his drive to work for the benefit of all people. She has been commended for her work in the field of education and the humanities and as a proponent and ambassador for peace. She has been recognized for her good work by being named an honorary citizen of Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and Australia.

Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda have dedicated their lives to the advancement of mankind and the promotion of peace through the improvement of individual lives. They are powerful advocates of social change and goodwill ambassadors for all of humanity. The international community has recognized and honored their continuing efforts to advance social justice based on universal values of equality and dignity. They are truly world class citizens whose efforts on behalf of many people, especially those struggling for human rights, should be recognized. Today we commend them for their lifetime of humanitarian work and we congratulate them on their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary. We commend them as leaders of Soka Gakkai International for their contributions to the international community and to the local communities in our Nation where their members are making individual contributions for peace and freedom.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Guam Women's Club (GWC) on the occasion of its 55th anniversary. The GWC was founded during a time of transition for Guam. In 1952, just 7 years after the end of World War II and 8 years after Guam's liberation, the people of Guam were emerging from the ravages of war and occupation. The women who founded the GWC that year were determined to contribute to the reconstruction of Guam and the promotion of the Chamorro culture. The GWC, since 1952, has established a successful record of helping to improve the health, welfare and education of the people of Guam.

Guam was attacked and occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army on December 7, 1941. The occupation lasted for 3 years and devastated our island. The battle to liberate Guam from Imperial Japanese Army occupation was a fierce but successful one. After the war, Guam was free again but the task of rebuilding was formidable. The vibrancy of our island's community today is a direct result of the commitment and hard work on the part of individuals and organizations dedicated to the reconstruction of Guam following the war. The GWC played an integral and commendable role in that effort.

In 1954, the GWC launched the effort to establish the Guam Museum of Culture, Art and History. The Guam Museum has thrived over the years, contributing greatly to the growth of understanding of Guam's history and appreciation of our island's diverse culture. I am confident that the GWC members who helped begin the Guam Museum some many years ago would share in our pride in that fact that, today, the Guam Museum is preparing for undergo a multi-million dollar construction and expansion project.

The GWC also has always made supporting education a high priority. Since its inception, the GWC has awarded high school, college, and university scholarships to deserving students. The GWC has also honored the teaching profession with annual ``Teacher Appreciation'' social events.

GWC members further have long been hospital volunteers and actively contribute their time, effort and money to support other local service organizations, such as the Alee Shelter, Erica's House, Child Care Co- op, the Guam Lytico and Bodig Association, St. Dominic's Nursing Facility and Rainbows for all Children, as well as national organizations, such as Crime Stoppers, the Salvation Army and the Guam chapters of the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society. The GWC also remains a loyal supporter and contributor to the Sugar Plum Tree, which provides holiday presents to needy children and senior citizens, and to the Air Force's annual Christmas Drop tradition, collecting, soliciting and preparing practical items, candy and toys to distribute by parachute to the sparsely populated outlying islands in Micronesia. Additionally, the Guam Women's Club is a long-time benefactor of the Guam Symphony Society and contributor to KGTF, Guam's public television station, and KPRG, the local public radio station.

Moreover, the commitment of the GWC to island beautification has resulted in the development of Government House's grounds and the establishment of Padre Palomo Park in Hagatna. Also notable is the effort on the part of the GWC to establish the Memorias Para I Lalahita Park, which was completed in 1972 and is probably the first memorial in our Nation to be dedicated to our men and women who fought and died in the Vietnam Conflict.

Madam Speaker, the Guam Women's Club is Guam's oldest women's organization. After 55 years, I am proud to say that it remains a vibrant part of our island's community. It has received numerous national and international awards and recognition for its many successful projects and its sustained allegiance to serving the Guam community. I am proud to have been a long-time member and I am honored to recognize the current membership's adherence to GWC's goals and objectives. The Guam Women's Club has made substantial contributions toward the transformation of Guam from war-torn island to 21st century community--the social, political and economic leader in the Western Pacific.

Madam Speaker, I was absent from the chamber on Friday. Had I been present for the 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.

Mr. Speaker, I also wish to thank my good friend from California (Ms. Watson).

I, too, Mr. Speaker, want to take this opportunity to associate myself with the remarks made by our colleagues this evening in tribute to Congressman Juanita Millender-McDonald.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend to her family our condolences. She was a strong and she was an effective leader for the people of the 37th Congressional District of California, and we are going to miss her here in Congress.

Juanita took a special interest in the people of Guam. When I first met her, I was a freshman. She stopped me in the hall and she said, Are you the new representative from Guam? I said, yes. And she introduced herself and she said, I want you to know that I have many people from Guam in my district.

She attended our liberation wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington. I will never forget it. And each time we met, whether it was here on the floor or in the hall, she would always ask me about the people of Guam.

She was a strong leader. She made her mark here in Congress. And I extend to her family, her husband, her children, her grandchildren, our deepest sympathies.

God bless you, Juanita, for everything that you did for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague and good friend, Hilda Solis, for bringing this forum together.

Tonight I come to the floor to take part in a very important dialogue about National Health Month that has been organized, as I said earlier, by my colleague from California, Congresswoman Hilda Solis. Congresswoman Solis' leadership in the area of minority health disparities, particularly with regard to environmental health factors, is strong and it has raised awareness of these issues on Capitol Hill.

I thank her for yielding me the time, and I commend her for her efforts, along with those of the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, in ensuring that minority health disparities are on the national agenda.

I am here tonight as the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Health Task Force to recognize April as National Minority Health Month. Designated in 2001, National Minority Health Month is sponsored by the National Minority Quality Forum, an organization dedicated to addressing and eliminating the disparity in care, treatment, and access faced by racial and ethnic minority populations.

The National Minority Quality Forum has been a leader in addressing these disparities and since 2004 has hosted a national summit each year to address these issues. Because the fourth annual summit began today in Washington, D.C., this is an opportune time to bring further awareness of the increasing need to address health disparities. It is very important that within this dialogue surrounding minority health disparities, that the needs of Asian American and Pacific Islanders are included. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders face a number of hurdles towards receiving adequate health care stemming from linguistic and cultural challenges, and a lack of data collection.

Based on the following statistics, the health care disparities in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community become readily apparent, according to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders.

Ms. Solis covered in detail the lack of insurance coverage. I am here to give statistics on the diseases prevalent among minorities.

Asian American and Pacific Islander women have the lowest rate of cancer screening compared to other ethnic groups. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make up over half of the cases of chronic hepatitis B. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make up 20 percent of all cases of tuberculosis; and Vietnamese Americans are 13 times more likely to die of liver cancer than Caucasians.

There are many diseases and illnesses that disproportionately affect communities of color, ranging from HIV/AIDS to diabetes. Hepatitis B, which disproportionately affects the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, is often overlooked.

Today as we recognize National Minority Health Month, I would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness about this deadly disease. Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the

hepatitis B virus. Usually, people infected with the disease do not show early symptoms. But if left undetected, it may lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. The statistics regarding hepatitis B are alarming. According to the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, one in 10 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are chronically infected with hepatitis B.

And of all those infected with hepatitis B in the United States, 50 percent are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and liver cancer is the leading cause of death for Laotian American men in California.

The promising thing with hepatitis B is there is a three-shot vaccination series that can prevent hepatitis B and its dire consequences. Unfortunately, only one in 10 Asian American and Pacific Islander children have received the vaccination series. So with the proper education, outreach, and funding, I hope that we can address the killer disease within the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, increase the vaccination rate, address the need for early detection and monitoring, and improve the quality of life for the people and families that live with hepatitis B.

Additionally, I hope we take this opportunity during National Minority Health Month to strengthen data collection and dissemination that will lead to improved access to health care for all racial and ethnic minority communities across the United States.

Again, as the Chair of the Health Care Task Force for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I want to thank my colleague, Ms. Solis, for organizing tonight's Special Order speech on the occasion of National Minority Health Month and for the purposes of generating greater attention and raising awareness to the disparities in access to quality health care that our minority communities face and that deserve to be eliminated.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis) for organizing this forum, and I would also like to thank my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) who joined us on the floor tonight to discuss this very important issue.

I am to cover cancer, and today is a very sad day for the House of Representatives. We have lost a dear colleague to cancer, and this is the second cancer-related passing this year in the House of Representatives.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States and accounts for one out of every four deaths. Unfortunately, health disparities in cancer continue to persist. Minority groups face unique problems and concerns about cancer, including higher rates of developing some cancers and barriers to early detection.

In 2001, the National Cancer Institute formed the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. In 2005, the center launched a new program to reduce cancer deaths among minority and underserved populations through $95 million in grants that funded community-based projects in geographically and culturally diverse areas of our country.

Dr. Harold Freeman, a leader in reducing cancer health disparities, and former surgeon at Harlem Hospital, said that cancer disparities are attributable to three interacting factors: first, low socioeconomic status; second, culture; and third, social injustice.

Low socioeconomic status and lack of health insurance lead to disparities. Lack of coverage prevents many Americans from receiving optimal health care. Frequently, people are not getting screened and treated because they feel they cannot afford to pay for a test if they are uninsured. The same populations also express concern that if they are diagnosed with cancer they will not be able to get the care they need.

Culture also plays a role. Some Native American tribes do not use the word ``cancer.'' When asked why they cannot discuss this disease, they say that in their culture, if they say the word ``cancer,'' it will bring disease to all of their families.

It is necessary to understand the cultural beliefs of different populations when talking about diseases. According to Dr. Freeman, much of the disparity in cancer outcomes is a result of the cancer type, the time of diagnosis, and the continuity of cancer care, not the disease itself.

Screening and early detection are extremely important to avoiding cancer-related deaths. Many deaths from breast, colon and cervical cancer could be prevented by increased usage of established screening tests.

Although white and African American women aged 40 and older had the same prevalence of mammography use, other racial and ethnic groups of women were less likely to have had a mammogram. The lowest prevalence of mammography use occurred among women who lacked health insurance and by immigrant women who lived in the United States for less than 10 years.

The incidence of some cancers is much higher in communities of color. For example, African American men are at least 50 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of any other racial or ethnic group in the United States.

Latino males have the third highest incidence rate for prostate cancer after African Americans and whites. Death rates for Latino males reveal that they have the third highest death rates from prostate and colon and rectal cancer after African Americans and whites.

Asian Pacific Islander males have the third highest rate for lung and bronchus cancer and colon and rectal cancer.

Cervical cancer occurs most often in Latinas; the incidence rate is more than twice the rate for non-Latina white women. Among Latinas in the United States, cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common type of cancer.

Although African American women are less likely to develop breast cancer than other women, those who do are about twice as likely to die from it.

Consequently, programs such as the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program are essential for low-income, uninsured and underserved women.

Although breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for Latina women, cancer screening rates are lower for Latinas.

Providing culturally appropriate health education and health services is so essential to preventing and treating cancer.

Again, I want to thank Congresswoman Solis for providing and organizing this forum.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1132, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of 2007. This legislation will further the work of this important program within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) is a federally-funded initiative that provides access to breast and cervical cancer early detection services to low-income and underserved women.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among American women. Sadly, one in every eight American women--an estimated 200,000 women this year alone--will be diagnosed with breast cancer according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The American Cancer Society reports in ``Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2005-2006'' that 40,410 women lost their fights with breast cancer last year. In 2007, the American Cancer Society estimates that 11,150 cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed and about 3,670 women will lose the battle with cervical cancer this year alone. More must be done to provide access to early detection programs that have the potential to greatly reduce these staggering numbers.

The NBCCEDP provides breast examinations, mammograms, pap smears, and a number of other services to women who fall at or below 250 percent of the Federal poverty level. To date, this successful program has served nearly three million women and diagnosed more than 29,000 breast cancers and 1,800 cervical cancers. Access to early detection medical services is an important step in battling breast and cervical cancers.

As the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus' Health Task Force, I am acutely aware of the high rates of cancer infections present in the Asian and Pacific Islander American communities. For instance, breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death for Filipino-American women, and cervical cancer strikes Vietnamese American women five times more often than Caucasian women, according to the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum. I am also all too aware of the disparities that exist for and the challenges that must be overcome by women from minority communities in order to gain access to screening and diagnostic services for breast and cervical cancer. The CDC reports that the number of new breast cancer diagnoses over the last ten years has remained stable or decreased significantly within ethnic groups other than Asian and Pacific Islander American. The prevalence of breast cancer diagnoses in the Asian and Pacific Islander American, however, has increased during the last 10 years.

On Guam, we have a shortage of oncology-related services. There is no radiology treatment center on Guam. Our only oncologist recently left the island. Cancer early detection is an even higher priority for the people of Guam in light of the challenges we face each day toward gaining better access to cancer diagnosis for those who may be at risk, better treatment for those battling the disease, and better long-term care for those who are survivors.

As someone who knows firsthand the impact that breast and cervical cancer can have on a family, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation and ensure that we make early detection and diagnosis of breast and cervical cancer a national priority.

Madam Speaker, I rise with heavy heart to mourn with my constituency the loss of Guam, Army National Guardsman Specialist Christopher James Cepeda Fernandez.

On March 5, 2007, Specialist Fernandez, a 28-year-old father of one, was killed while serving on deployment in support of the Combined Joint Task Force in the Horn of Africa. Due to Christopher's patriotism and sacrifice to our country, he was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.

Service men and women from Guam have always been willing and ready to answer the call to arms to defend this great Nation, and we--their families, friends and neighbors--have always supported them, knowing the risk. As people of a small island community, the ties among us are very deep.

Sgt. Chris Fernandez was the son of Joseph Mendiola Fernandez and Marie Cepeda Fernandez of the ``Golo'' and ``Chungi'' clans. He was the brother of John, Carmela, Stephanie and Michelle Fernandez, and the doting father of six-year-old Kaenani Lei Guyal Fernandez, whom he adored. According to his family, Chris loved to take Kaenani to the movies, shopping--almost everywhere she wanted to go. He made the most of the time he could spend with her.

When not with Kaenani, Chris enjoyed playing basketball and baseball, among other sports. He also liked fishing, drag-racing, and barbequing with friends. He attended John F. Kennedy High School and graduated from Guam Community College. Madam Speaker, I offer these bits of personal information because Sergeant Christopher James Cepeda Fernandez deserves to be remembered as more than a name on a casualty list. He was a son of Guam, a proud soldier, willing and prepared to defend his country and his home island, no matter what the price. And he paid that price.

Christopher James Cepeda Fernandez 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.

With heavy but proud hearts, I extend heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to Chris's family on behalf of the People of Guam and a grateful nation. Chris was a caring son, a loving brother and friend, a devoted father, and a proud American patriot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act. This legislation would make emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007.

H.R. 1591 would provide funding for many purposes. This funding would support our military personnel who are fighting our country's enemies. This funding also would support our civilian personnel who are trying to establish a lasting peace for beleaguered citizens of some of the world's most troubled countries. Of particular note, this legislation includes much needed funding for healthcare for wounded warriors who have returned home, having given all but their lives in service to our country.

Debate with respect to this legislation will focus on the war in Iraq. Iraq is today's signature issue and it is also one of the most divisive and complex ones before this Congress. The choices we make regarding Iraq will establish a legacy for the United States that will define our policy toward the Middle East region for a generation or longer. For that reason, it is my hope that we, as an institution and, indeed, as a country can agree upon a policy that protects our national interests and those of our allies and supports those servicemembers and civilians--and their families--who so bravely serve our country today in Iraq and elsewhere around the world.

It is true the government of Iraq must work to better fulfill its obligation to govern from moderate positions, with uniformity, and with regard to the rule of law. On January 31, 2007, I introduced H.R. 744, the Iraq Policy Revitalization and Congressional Oversight Enhancement Act. H.R. 744 would take a different approach to the challenge of setting metrics to measure progress in Iraq and to define the terms for completion of the mission in that country than what is called for in H.R. 1591, the legislation that is currently before this body.

I am a member of the Committee on Armed Services and I have traveled to Iraq eight times since taking office in 2003. These trips have allowed me to observe our operations in Iraq and to personally speak with our commanders, servicemembers, and civilian personnel in the field. I have also had the opportunity to speak with Iraqi leaders during these visits. As a result, I have learned a great deal about the accomplishments made in Iraq to date. I have also learned of the many challenges that remain there.

I believe that an honest and open exchange of views on the substance of what our country and our allies must achieve in Iraq in order to complete Operation Iraqi Freedom is needed. Finding an achievable, expeditious, and honorable way to complete Operation Iraqi Freedom should be a primary goal for all of us. We owe this to those who have sacrificed so much for this mission. But the situation in Iraq will not yield a solution easily. Nevertheless, we must endeavor to find one. In doing so, we will be helping shape in the best way possible the legacy future generations of Americans will inherit and the one that we will have to defend to history. Like it or not, the United States assumed a moral obligation to bring order to Iraq when we, in a pre-emptive manner, attacked that country four years ago this month. History will judge us harshly if we act in a way that would abandon this obligation.

It is for this reason and others that I strongly support the funding called for by this legislation that supports our wounded warriors who are embarking on their long but hopeful roads to recovery, that supports our servicemembers who continue to pursue our enemies worldwide, and that supports our civilian personnel who work to stabilize and reconstruct countries that are now home to disturbing violence and heartbreaking loss of life. I urge my colleagues to support the funding called for by this legislation.

Madam Speaker, the international community finds itself today at a crossroads with respect to certain policy decisions that will affect the future of the world's fisheries resources. The impacts of the decisions that the international community is poised to make in the coming weeks and months will determine the future sustainability of global fish stocks, including those stocks traditionally harvested by our domestic fishing industry.

Among the challenges to ensuring the sustainability of the world's fisheries resources is the increasing demand for protein by consumers globally. It is precisely this demand for protein that has led to overcapacity in commercial fishing fleets worldwide, and that in turn, is leading to the reported depletion of global fish stocks. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that 75 percent of the world's fish stocks are considered over-fished, fully exploited, significantly depleted, or rebuilding under protective management. Some countries have recognized these depletion trends and the current vulnerability of fish stocks. The United States is among these countries. Together, these countries have taken swift action to responsibly manage, the catch volume and capacity of their domestic fishing fleets. Other countries, however, have not taken similar steps to mitigate the risks to global fish stocks or sought to manage the catch volume and capacity of their fleets from a global sustainability perspective. In fact, their fleets continue to grow in number despite these alarming trends. This imbalance needs to be addressed by the international community and the United States is in a position to exercise leadership and must do so.

In the United States, we are doing what we can to restore, protect, and manage the precious fishery resources within our Exclusive Economic Zone. The most recent reauthorization of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires that overfishing end by 2011. In addition, the United States government no longer provides economic incentives to build new fishing vessels as it once did two decades ago. Unfortunately, the leadership that the United States and others have demonstrated by proactively and responsibly reprioritizing financial assistance for domestic fishing fleets toward fisheries management programs and services and away from outright subsidies for growing fleet capacity has not been uniformly followed by the international community.

Government subsidies for vessel construction and operation are common in many countries around the world. In these countries, too little of these subsidies go toward beneficial causes such as improving fisheries management and science. Rather, much of it goes to subsidize harmful activity, such as increased fuel consumption and fleet expansion. These harmful subsidies artificially decrease the cost of fishing and make it a profitable trade for thousands of vessels which without the benefit of these subsidies could not compete in the marketplace. Current estimates reveal that the sheer number of vessels actively fishing around the world today is 250 percent greater than what is actually necessary to fish at sustainable levels.

Because of the interconnected nature of marine ecosystems, the impacts of overfishing of one stock in one region can have a profound, detrimental and cascading effect across the entire ocean ecosystem. Ecosystems span political boundaries. The effects and consequences of one country's policies and practices that give rise to overfishing, even if limited in its occurrence to be within its own waters, are realized and borne by other countries. But the problem does not stop there. Vessels are increasingly forced to travel farther distances away from their own home ports and familiar waters to contend with increased local competition and in response to a reduction in littoral fish stocks. In many cases, the high seas and even the Exclusive Economic Zones of other countries become enticing targets.

The United States--like other countries--reserves the exclusive right to fish within its 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Hundreds of foreign vessels each year, however, are intercepted while fishing illegally in U.S. waters. This rise in illegal fishing is placing additional pressure on our already exploited resources, damaging our marine ecosystems, and taking away potential revenue from our domestic fishing industry. In 2006 alone, the United States Coast Guard intercepted 164 vessels fishing in our EEZ. This statistic is troubling. But what is even more troubling is the fact that this number represents only the number of vessels that were actually caught. It does not represent the total threat or existence of foreign fishing in our waters, particularly in waters where enforcement is difficult such as the waters around Guam.

On Guam the problem of illegal fishing is insignificant. The Western Central Pacific area, which includes the EEZs around Hawaii, Guam and the other U.S. islands and territories in that region, is considered one of the Coast Guard's three highest threat areas for foreign fishing. The U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Russia borders are the other two. In 2006, the Coast Guard recorded 11 incidents of illegal foreign fishing in the Western Central Pacific area. Since 2000, the Coast Guard has intercepted an average of 34 vessels per year. And, as mentioned earlier, this only represents the vessels that are being caught. There is no way to assess with any certainty how many other vessels are fishing illegally in our waters and thereby harming our fishing fleet by harvesting the fish stocks found within our EEZ.

The species targeted in the Western Central Pacific area are generally extremely valuable, highly migratory species like tuna. Thus, the economic impact of illegal fishing is significant. Additionally, the long-term impact of overfishing on long-lived, predatory species such as tuna compounds the effect on the ocean ecosystem and economy.

The problem of illegal foreign fishing is exacerbated by the fact that complete and comprehensive monitoring and enforcement by the Coast Guard of all U.S. waters is impractical. The Coast Guard Living Marine Resource Law Enforcement Division is responsible for patrolling over 3.36 million square miles of ocean, much of which is extremely remote and subject to harsh conditions. The Coast Guard simply does not have the resources to patrol all waters and at all times.

At the same time, the countries whose vessels are the most likely to be found illegally fishing in the U.S. EEZ are also countries that provide large capacity-increasing subsidies to their fishing fleets. Because enforcement is so difficult, it is even more important that we attack the issue at its root by encouraging worldwide capacity reduction and by discouraging other countries from making it economically feasible for their vessels to travel into our waters to fish.

Today, I am introducing a concurrent resolution to encourage our government to work with other countries to bring about an end to the harmful subsidies that contribute to overcapacity in commercial fishing fleets and that lead to overfishing of global fish stocks. The continuing support of otherwise unsustainable fleets by certain countries means an ongoing threat to our country's marine resources and our domestic fishing industry.

While we have no direct control over the actions of foreign governments, the Doha Round of the current World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations have placed the United States in a unique position to influence the future use of harmful fisheries subsidies by these other countries. Through these negotiations the United States is presented with an opportunity to exercise its leadership internationally toward the phasing out of subsidies that increase fishing capacity and that promote overfishing. By passing this concurrent resolution, Congress can demonstrate to the world its support for our government as they move forward with these negotiations.

It is my hope that my colleagues will support this concurrent resolution and that they will join me in encouraging action to protect the interests of our domestic fishing industry, our marine resources, and the sustainability of global fish stocks for the greater and shared interests of all members of the international community.

Madam Speaker, I rise with great sorrow today to mourn the death of Guam Army National Guardsman Specialist Gregory Duenas Fejeran with the community in Guam. Greg was a 28-year-old father of two who was killed serving with a National Guard deployment in support of the Combined Joint Task Force in the Horn of Africa on March 5, 2007.

Greg Fejeran was the son of the late Gregorio P. Fejeran and Rosa D. Cruz Fejeran of the ``Golo'' and ``Cupa'' clans. He was a devoted and loving husband to Deborah Ann Cepeda Fejeran, and a protective and nurturing father of Shira and Keleko Fejeran, who knew most intimately how much he loved being in the military and who understood his duty as a serviceman. They supported him as faithfully as he supported Deborah's endeavors, Shira's dancing activities, and Keleko's sports activities.

Greg was the brother of Elizabeth T., Elizabeth U., Gregorio Jr., Barbara, Pauline, Richard, Rosalind, and Agnes. He was a son-in-law, a brother-in-law, a godson, a nephew, an uncle, a cousin; in short, Madam Speaker, he was a member of a large, extended family that deeply mourns his passing today.

According to his family, Greg loved working on cars, and enjoyed a variety of sports, with baseball being his favorite.

Madam Speaker, Sergeant Fejeran died in the service of his country and his island, and was posthumously promoted from Specialist to Sergeant for his patriotism. Servicemen and women from Guam have always been willing and ready to answer the call to arms to defend this great Nation, and we--their families, friends and neighbors--have always supported them, knowing the risk. As people of a small island community, the ties among us are very deep.

Gregory Duenas Fejeran 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. With heavy but proud hearts, I extend heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to Greg's family on behalf of the People of Guam and a grateful Nation. Greg was a caring son, a loving brother and friend, a devoted father, and a proud American patriot.

Madam Speaker, I rise to commend the members of the Young Men's League of Guam, the YMLG, for their service to our community for over 90 years. YMLG is perhaps the oldest, active non- profit organizations in my home district, continuing to provide dedicated and honorable volunteer service to this day. The YMLG contributes immensely to help the homeless, the medically indigent, and less fortunate in Guam, as well as the elderly at St. Dominic's Geriatric Care Facility. They also support and assist other charity organizations.

Since its founding in 1917, the Young Men's League of Guam has remained true to its mission to uphold and defend the principles of good government by instilling among its members a sense of individual obligation to our community, as well as fostering and promoting friendship, camaraderie, closer understanding and respect among themselves as unique equals. Also known proudly as ``I Inetnon Lalahen Guahan,'' the Young Men's League of Guam continues to be a strong proponent for the preservation and advancement of the indigenous culture, language, heritage and traditions of the Chamorros of Guam and the Marianas. YMLG annually sponsors the ``Silabrasion Chamorro'' Student Oratorical, Essay, and Writing Competitions.

As its name proclaims, the Young Men's League of Guam has always sought to harness the talents and instill a sense of community obligation among up-and-coming young men as they take their places in our society. Educational and Recreational promotion of youth continues through scholarships, financial contributions, and sponsorships. Today, many members continue active membership, even though they are well into their senior years.

Madam Speaker, YMLG's membership roster is a ``Who's Who'' of 20th Century Guam history. Indeed, the legacies of its charter officers--Mr. Leon Flores, president; Mr. Jose Duenas, vice president; Mr. Manuel Ulloa, secretary; Mr. Adriano Cristobal; and Mr. Vicente Arriola, librarian/historian--live on through their offspring and beyond. President Flores was the father of Guam's first Roman Catholic bishop and archbishop, the late Felixberto C. Flores. Vice President Duenas was the father of retired U.S. District Court Judge Cristobal C. Duenas and the brother of Father Jesus Baza Duenas, who was executed during the occupation of Guam in WorId War II. Secretary Ulloa was a prominent and a long-time island educator. Treasurer Cristobal was the grandfather of Superior Court Presiding Judge Alberto C. Lamorena; and YMLG Historian Arriola was the father of former Speaker Joaquin C. Arriola. Indeed, all the Chamorro Governors of Guam, appointed and elected, were members of the Young Men's League of Guam at some point in their public careers. They include the late Joseph Flores, the late Manuel F.L. Guerrero, and the late Carlos G. Camacho, father of our current governor, Felix P. Camacho, who is a YMLG member himself. Former governors Paul M. Calvo, Joseph F. Ada, and Carl T.C. Gutierrez were YMLG members as well. My late husband, Ricardo J. Bordallo, who served two terms as governor of Guam, and my late father-in-law, Balthazar J. Bordallo, who served in both the pre-war bicameral Guam Congress, as Chairman of the upper House of Council, and the postwar Guam Legislature, were lifelong members, as was Governor Calvo's father, Eduardo T. Calvo, and Francisco B. Leon Guerrero, who, with my father-in-law, was known as the fathers of the Organic Act of Guam.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the late Jesus S. Leon Guerrero's legacy of leadership that was carried on with distinction by his son, the late Anthony A. Leon Guerrero, and that now continues with his daughter, Ms. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, who follows her father and her brother as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Guam. Ms. Leon Guerrero has served in this capacity since March 31, 2006, and though her service at the helm of the Bank of Guam has been brief, she carries forward the visionary and dedicated leadership and work ethic which have been the hallmarks of the Bank of Guam since its establishment 35 years ago. These hallmarks have consistently characterized the leaders and the employees of the Bank of Guam since its chartering on March 13, 1972 and have given rise to the Bank's reputation as one of the leading and most successful financial institutions in the Pacific. Last year, the Bank was named by the Guam Chamber of Commerce as Business Laureate of the Year and was enrolled into the Guam Business Hall of Fame. Today, the leadership of the late Mr. Jesus S. Leon Guerrero and the Bank of Guam's service to our community continues to be celebrated and recognized by the people of Guam.

After working for the Bank of America for many years, Jesus struck out on his own in 1972 to charter a new and locally-organized bank for our island community--an endeavor that seemed nearly impossible at the time. But Jesus never gave up and his confidence in the future of Guam and in the people of our island never wavered. It was his vision, his drive, and his confidence that led to the chartering of a community bank for the people of Guam.

Upon Jesus's death in 2002, his son Anthony took the reins of leadership at the Bank of Guam. During that same year, Guam was hit by Typhoon Chata'an in July, a powerful earthquake in October, and Supertyphoon Pongsona in December. Still grieving, Anthony rose to the occasion and proved himself a worthy successor of his father. Anthony met and conquered every challenge except one: he lost his battle against cancer in 2004. Jesus's daughter Lourdes was called to assume the mantle of leadership of the Bank. A leader in her own right, as a Senator in the Guam Legislature for several terms, Lourdes did not hesitate and the transfer of the Bank's leadership was seamless and unfaltering.

The Bank of Guam has grown over the past 35 years in meeting the banking, financing, and insurance needs of the people of Guam and the greater Micronesia region. Today, the Bank of Guam, a publicly-traded company, has a presence on nearly every island in the region and in San Francisco, California. Such is the legacy of Jesus S. and Anthony A. Leon Guerrero and the challenge for Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, the officers and employees of the Bank of Guam. We are confident that the leadership and the employees of the Bank of Guam will continue to meet these challenges.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Michael Robert Ady, the president of M80 Office Systems, for being named as the 2007 U.S. Small Business Administration Veteran Small Business Champion for Guam.

Born in Joplin, MO, and educated at Midwestern College in Denison, IA, Mr. Ady studied business administration while serving in the U.S. Army. After his discharge in 1971, he went to work for Phillips and Ober in California and came to Guam in 1970 as the firm's general manager. Between 1984 and 1995, Mr. Ady served as general manager for several Guam companies, including Connell Brothers Guam, Oceana Trading, and Office Concepts. In 1995, he struck out on his own, establishing M80 Office Systems as a one-man operation in a home office with a single client. M80 Office Systems, today is a strong small business with 10 employees that specializes in office design and furniture supply. M80 ably serves both the public and private sectors.

Mr. Ady is a role model for other veteran entrepreneurs, and he takes that role seriously. He is an energetic supporter of veteran events and an always-willing volunteer participant in seminars, conferences and community events aimed at providing veterans with access to support, information, and educational programs to assist them with their lives and careers.

Mr. Ady is an active member of the Guam Chamber of Commerce and readily shares his knowledge and experience as a member of the Chamber's Small Business Development Committee. He was named co- chairman of the Small Business Development Committee in 2005. Mr. Ady was instrumental in aligning the committee's activities toward training and outreach programs to encourage more small business participation in chamber activities. As a result of the opportunities for participant feedback, participation in training programs increased 100 percent and membership in the Small Business Development Committee increased by 14 percent.

His other small business advocacy activities include serving as a business plan mentor at the 2003 Shell Guam Livewire Business Planning Competition for Youth, contributing as an exhibitor at the 2005 Small Business Matchmaking Fair, and presenting a veteran-owned business case study at the 2006 Guam SBDC Veterans Small Business Conference.

Mr. Ady is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations for his efforts to promote and support small business. He was named Panel Concepts' Dealer of the Year in 1997 and enrolled into Maxon Furniture, Inc.'s President's Club I 2006. In 2004, he was named the U.S. Air Force Reserves' Employer of the Year.

An avid surfer in his earlier years, Mr. Ady spends most of his leisure time with his family, working a farm in Yona. He, his wife Jovita, and their children Toby, Robert, and Robin raise mangoes, papayas, bananas, pineapples, betel nuts and local vegetables. We wish them a good harvest always, and we offer our best wishes as Mr. Ady now joins other Veteran Small Business Champions to be considered for the Small Business Administration's National Small Business Champion award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize, congratulate and honor Ms. Lucy Montinola Alcorn on her selection as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2007 Small Business Person of the Year for Guam. Lucy's dedication and commitment have made

her company, Global Food Services, LLC, a growing and continuing success. Lucy is a fitting recipient of this honor.

Lucy, the fifth child born to Luis J. and Helen C. Montinola, is of Filipino and Chamorro descent. After finishing her education in the Philippines in 1979, she returned to Guam and worked in various sectors of the service industry, including customer support, sales, real estate and insurance. She never hesitated to help her husband, David Alcorn, in the management and operations of local food service providers.

In July 2003, Lucy fulfilled a dream by starting her own business, Global Food Services, LLC. With the support of the Guam office of the Small Business Administration, Global Food Services Group earned its certification as a Minority/Woman owned 8(a) and HUBZone Certified Small Disadvantaged Business. With the increase in military activities on Guam provided Lucy an opportunity to expand the operations of Global Food Services by competing successfully for contracts let by the Department of Defense.

Since its inception, the Global Food Services Group has maintained the distinction of being the first Guam-based, locally owned company to provide both direct and indirect support (quality of life) services to the U.S. Navy Bases on Guam. Presently, Global Food Services' focus has been on the management and operations of the Navy Family and Bachelor Housing Program; Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs; and providing food services, including the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) School Lunch Program.

Today, as part of her ongoing vision to expand her company, Lucy is leading Global Food Services in the pursuit of additional military and commercial projects on Guam with an ultimate goal of expanding its operations to the mainland U.S. and abroad. With a continued focus on long term sustainability of the company, she is dedicated to employee training and certification and exploration of new opportunities for her organization and individual employees.

Lucy has received the praise and admiration of Guam's entire business community. She is recognized not only for her tireless business drive, but also for her civic activities, which include her membership in the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association, the American Red Cross and the Parents Advisory Board for Father Duenas Memorial High School. Recognized by her colleagues in the Guam Chamber of Commerce for her business acumen and enthusiasm, Lucy was nominated for the Chamber's prestigious ``Executive of the Year for 2004'' and was elected to the Chamber's Board of Directors for 2007 to 2009. Though she dedicates much energy and time to the Global Food Services Group and to numerous civic activities, Lucy is ever mindful that she came from a closely knit family. Imbued with these family values, Lucy is devoted to her husband David and always a dedicated mother to her children, Dereck, Cassy and Nick.

Her dedication to the Guam community, her leadership in the business world, her contributions to the quality of life for members of the armed services, and her ability to balance her career with the responsibilities of raising her three children, make her recognition as the Small Business Person of the Year very fitting.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate Ms. Lourdes Leon Guerrero on being selected as Guam's Small Business Administration's Women in Business Champion for 2007. The daughter of Jesus and Eugenia Leon Guerrero, founders of the Bank of Guam, Lou succeeds her father and brother Tony as the Bank of Guam's president and chairwoman of its Board of Directors. Lou's success began many years ago in the halls of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, where she attended

high school, and onto the campuses of the California State University in Los Angeles, where she earned her bachelor of science in nursing degree, and UCLA, where she earned a masters degree in public health.

After college, Lou returned to Guam to serve as a nurse. After serving for many years as a nursing administrator in one of Guam's largest family clinics, Lou began her public service in Guam's legislature, where she served as a senator for five terms. As a member of Guam's legislative body, Lou pursued policies which have improved healthcare services on Guam. She worked with the Commission on Nurse Leaders and the Civil Service Commission to secure fair and equitable pay for Guam's nurses. A strong advocate for a tobacco-free environment, Lou introduced and supported landmark legislation, including the Natasha Act, which prohibits smoking in public places on Guam. She has initiated the development of programs in order to ensure that women, children, the elderly and the disabled are provided accessible and affordable healthcare.

As a healthcare professional, Lou has fought for the viability of health insurance programs for the medically indigent and disabled. She has supported legislation which encourages the disabled to become self- sufficient entrepreneurs, and she has fostered policies which ensure that dignity and respect are always afforded to the community's senior citizens.

Lou continues to champion for the rights of the indigenous population on Guam, and to support Federal legislation which will recognize the loyalty and patriotism of the people of Guam during World War II and provide reparation for the horrific injustices endured by the Chamorro people during the occupation of Guam by Imperial Japanese forces.

Today, as chairperson of the board and chief executive officer of the Bank of Guam, Lou is active and involved with the Bank of Guam's daily operations, meeting regularly with the bank's policymakers and coordinating with the top management staff. Through her work, Lou continues the legacy of fairness, honesty, and trust that her father and brother began before her. By continuing this legacy, Lou has proven her dedication to serving the people of Guam and ensuring that the Bank of Guam continues to be an institution that can meet the unique needs of the local community.