Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Mr. Michael W. Naholowaa, vice president of the Bank of Guam and manager of the Bank's Upper Tumon Loan Center on being named the U.S. Small Business Administration 2007 Financial Services Champion for Guam. Mr. Naholowaa is responsible for all loan activities, including the underwriting and marketing of new and prospective businesses in Tumon/ Tamuning, the heart of Guam's commercial district. He is also responsible for loan administration for the bank branches in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, CNMI, and the Micronesian region.

Mr. Naholowaa is known for his concern for his customers and for making an extra effort to advise and assist those would-be entrepreneurs who wish to start a business. Mr. Naholowaa is a true mentor for Guam's youth, and his dedication is evident in his community service. As a former Junior Achievement advisor, he remains actively involved in the Guam Junior Achievement program, helping young people hone their entrepreneurial skills and providing them the tools necessary to succeed in the future.

Mr. Naholowaa earned an associate's degree in Computer Science and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Guam in 1975 and 1978, respectively. He continued his education in banking as he rose through the ranks in the Bank of Guam, graduating from the Pacific Coast Banking School of the University of Washington, Seattle, in 1988, and completing numerous Institute of Banking courses and workshops as well as Small Business Administration, RDA, and other govemment-sponsored courses and workshops.

Mr. Naholowaa is a past chairman of the CNMI Banking Association, a past vice chairman of the Guam Institute of Banking; past president and vice president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, and chairman of the Saipan Junior Achievement Program. He also served in various leadership positions for the Commonwealth Development Loan Fund, the Saipan Rotary Club, the CNMI Governor's Council of Economic Advisors, Bank of Guam Employee Club, Guam Lion's Club, and University of Guam Student Organization. Mr. Naholowaa currently is a member of the Guam Chamber of Commerce's Armed Services Committee and the Guam Junior Achievement program, and is vice president of the Alupang Cove Homeowners Association and the San Vitores Court Homeowners Association. He is also the current chairman of UOG's School of Business and Public Administration Advisory Council.

Mr. Naholowaa now joins other Financial Services Champions for consideration as the Small Business Administration's National Champion award. I wish Mike and his wife, Leah Beth, the best and thank them both for their service to the people of Guam.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mrs. Maraquita C. Leon Guerrero on being named the U.S. Small Business Administration 2007 Home-Based Business Champion of the Year for Guam. Mrs. Leon Guerrero, affectionately known as ``Tita,'' is the proprietress of Tita's Bakery, a home-based bakery that has produced Chamorro pastries since 1965.

This honor is richly deserved. Tita has made a much-loved local confection very nearly an icon of my home district. Some people call them Chamorro jaw breakers, others call them a cookie, and still others a candy. Guguria is all of those. They are small, hard sugar-coated cookies made with coconut milk.

For more than 40 years now, Tita's Guguria has fulfilled the sweet- tooth cravings of my constituents who didn't want to undertake the laborious process of making guguria themselves. Newcomers to Guam quickly discover Tita's Guguria and have sent them to their families and friends far and wide. Tita's Guguria also has become a staple in ``care packages'' from families at home to relatives here in the mainland. In 1998, during his visit to Guam, President Bill Clinton was served some of Tita's Guguria. Upon his return to Washington, DC, the White House placed an order for more.

Mrs. Leon Guerrero's business model--the secret to her success--is a classic one: She found a need and filled it admirably. But Tita did not intend to build a successful small business. Like most home-based entrepreneurs, she simply wanted to augment her family income. Her little bake shop, which started as a 12-by-14-foot room, now covers more than 5,000 square feet. One of Tita's daughters now follows in her mother's footsteps, operating her own home-based bakery business called ``Tita, Jr.,'' which specializes in baked goods from handed-down family recipes.

Mrs. Leon Guerrero is a role model not only for her daughters but for all other would-be home-based entrepreneurs. She has proven that a good idea is a valuable thing, and hard work really does pay off. ``You have to be happy, and you must enjoy your work in order to succeed,'' she is quoted as saying in a magazine feature.

Although she still gets up at 2 in the morning to start work, Tita devotes the weekends to her family. Her husband Ben is her most loyal and loving ``employee''; he helps with deliveries. We send Tita, Ben, Genny, Renee, their grandchildren, and the employees of Tita's bakery our best wishes as they join other Home-based Business Champions from around the country for consideration to be the Small Business Administration's National Champion for that category.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Perez Bros, Inc. of Upper Tumon, Guam on being named the U.S. Small Business Administration 2007 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year for Guam.

Perez Bros, Inc. was founded by the late Frank D. Perez on September 1951. Perez Bros began as a hardware store outside his mother-in-law's home on Guam. It was a conglomerate comprised of a construction company, manufacturer of concrete block products, a hardware store and related services. In 1960, Frank D. Perez incorporated his company and opened a 12,000 square foot store in Hagatna, Guam. Perez Bros, Inc. now manufactures, supplies and transports ready-mix concrete masonry blocks, pre-cast concrete, limestone aggregates, and related concrete accessories. One of only two concrete manufacturers on Guam, Perez Bros, Inc. is the only locally owned concrete producer based on the founder and owner's indigenous background.

In the early 70's Perez Bros, Inc. started expanding, opening an asphalt and crusher plant. The company spent $1 million buying a fleet of dump trucks, mixers and paving equipment. Perez Bros, Inc. won bids for major projects on four island roadways. In 1973 Perez Bros, Inc. was hit hard by the oil crisis and eventually in 1982 Perez Bros, Inc. had to shut down their asphalt plant and hardware store. Guam's economy started an upswing when a tourism boom began in the latter part of the decade. Soon construction cranes putting up high-rise hotels were the dominant feature of the Tumon, Guam skyline. Perez Bros, Inc. was quick to take advantage of the boom. ``We own the land that we quarry, we own the crusher that processes the rocks, the dump trucks that bring it here and the mixers that deliver it to our customers. So we really don't have, with the exception of the asphalt plant, we don't have an ongoing battle with bureaucracy,'' said Tom, son of the late Frank D. Perez, in an interview for a business magazine. Perez Bros, Inc. revenues peaked in 1998 during the tourism boom and continues to peak with the impending military buildup starting in 2008. The military estimates $10 billion will be pumped into Guam in the form of military and related construction projects over the next eight years.

Greg, Tom and John are three of the six sons born to the late Frank D. Perez. The brothers currently own and operate Perez Bros Inc. on Guam. Greg (the third eldest brother) serves as Vice President of Administration, Tom (the fifth eldest brother) is currently the President of Perez Bros, Inc and John (the youngest brother) have spent the last 20 years diversifying their business interests on Guam, creating hundreds of local jobs for Guam's workforce and strengthening Guam economy. Collectively, all three brothers were groomed by their father to pursue various disciplines relevant to continuity and growth of the family business. They continue to follow their father's vision and they hope to instill in their children the work ethic that their father instilled in them. This is important for the survival of the family business. The brothers realize that it is up to them to map out the company's next 50 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in support of H.R. 807, the Columbia Space Shuttle Memorial Study Act, a bill which would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility and suitability of establishing a memorial to the Space Shuttle Columbia in Texas and including it within the National Park System. This legislation is an important step toward honoring the courage and contributions of the crew of STS-107 and toward continuing to heal as a nation four years after the tragedy of the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Just over four years ago, the Nation lost seven heroes, Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Clark, Rick Husband, Willie McCool, and Ilan Ramon. They were mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, daughters and sons, teachers and friends. There is one characteristic, however, that unites them all. They are all heroes in the truest sense of the word. We draw our strength and resolve from the example they set and we remain committed to our Nation's space program in their honor and because of all they have taught us. Today, we have the opportunity to further memorialize their contributions to space exploration and their inspirational lives by taking steps toward creating a

permanent memorial to them and their service on behalf of our country in Texas.

Guam has a unique relationship with one of the crew members, Lieutenant Commander William C. McCool, who piloted the Columbia on that fateful day. Commander McCool lived in Guam while his father served as a Navy pilot and he attended Dededo Middle School and John F. Kennedy High School. He later married Lani Vallejos of Dededo, Guam. While America lost a hero, Guam lost a son in the aftermath of the Columbia tragedy. Commander McCool blessed our island and indeed our country with his passion, intellect, and purpose. The people of Guam are proud to call him one of our own and will always remember him as a role model for our children. The inspiration Commander McCool has been to our people is something that will not fade and that can never be taken away.

This memorial, as a part of the National Park System, will allow future generations to learn about the sacrifices the STS-107 crew made in the name of scientific advancements. It will be a testament to their courage and dedication to their colleagues and this Nation. I hope that the memorial will inspire all those who see it to believe in their dreams and their potential to achieve those dreams.

The foundation of this country is built on the hard work and dedication of people with novel and exciting ideas. The crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia embodied these American ideals and believed in the need for scientific advancement and space exploration. A national memorial to their lives and dreams will continue to inspire the spirit of Americans.

Let us always remember the courage and inspiration of the seven crewmembers of the Space Shuttle Columbia. This memorial, situated in the state where they dedicated their careers to space exploration, will be a testament to their lives and their legacy. I thank my colleague, Mr. Gohmert, for sponsoring this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 63.

I rise today to acknowledge and honor the service and sacrifice made by military and civilian personnel who have served and who are serving today in Iraq, Afghanistan, on the Horn of Africa, and elsewhere around the world in defense of the national security of the United States. These individuals, and their families who support them from home, are to be commended for their dedication to our country.

I represent the island of Guam. Sons and daughters of Guam, and those from our neighboring islands in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshalls, serve proudly in the United States Armed Forces. These individuals serve at a critical point in our country's history and we are grateful for their dedication to their mission and their commitment to ensuring our freedom.

I have been able to visit on eight occasions with our servicemembers deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa to see first hand their living conditions, learn about their missions, and gain a better understanding of the challenges that confront them. All of us on Guam are immensely proud of our men and women from Guam who serve our Nation. I have heard their stories and have been humbled by their struggles, their heartbreaking loss, and their inspiring instances of achievement. I have come away from each of these visits with profound gratitude for their sacrifices and their professionalism.

Serving in defense of the United States does not come without heartache and sacrifice. Eighteen servicemembers from Guam and our neighboring islands in the Pacific, Saipan, Pohnpei, and Palau, are among the more than 3,000 reported by the Department of Defense to have made the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror. Our island communities united to mourn the passing of each one of our sons and daughters, as we mourn the loss of all servicemembers. We will continue to provide support to grieving families who suffer the burden of these losses. Every American owes a debt of gratitude--albeit an un-payable one--to our fallen and injured servicemembers and their families.

The year 2007 also will be witness to more tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa for our active duty, Guard and Reserve servicemen and women. For some it will be their second, third, and fourth tours of duty in those theaters of operations. This is a lot to ask even of the world's finest fighting men and women. They serve proudly and their morale remains high and their fighting spirits remain strong. God bless their families and friends who remain behind supportive and proud of their loved ones.

We owe our servicemembers and their families our best efforts toward helping our Armed Forces achieve an expeditious and honorable completion to Operation Iraqi Freedom. This should be a primary goal for all of us. But the situation in Iraq will not yield a solution easily. Nevertheless, the President, in consultation with this Congress, must endeavor to find one. And it is for this reason that I introduced H.R. 744, the Iraq Policy Revitalization and Congressional Oversight Enhancement Act. H.R. 744 also would aim to revitalize U.S.- Iraq policy; would require the President to provide to Congress a plan that addresses the whole of the challenge in Iraq; would improve congressional oversight of Operation Iraqi Freedom and events in Iraq; would seek to increase the commitment made by the international community to the stability and security of Iraq; and would ultimately, help bring our troops home in an honorable, expeditious manner without sacrificing their mission.

The Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton, concluded that many of the challenges in Iraq are of an international nature, and they become more so--not less so--as each day passes. As a result, it is becoming increasingly important to view United States policy toward Iraq as a part of and not isolated from United States policy toward the region as a whole. It also is becoming increasingly important for countries in the region and the international community to become more fully engaged in the effort to stabilize Iraq. The Iraq Study Group recommended that we support efforts to promote a multilateral agreement between the United States, Coalition countries, regional states, and multilateral organizations. A multilateral agreement will help bring renewed focus to and enhanced international cooperation toward resolving Iraq's problems. A multilateral agreement will help reaffirm the existence of a united front against elements that seek to destabilize Iraq, and thus bring added pressure to bear on those actors. Lastly, a multilateral agreement would provide for the formation of a forum in which current and future regional security, political, and economic issues regarding Iraq's continued development can be discussed and addressed. The establishment and maintenance of conciliatory relations between Iraq, its neighbors, regional states and the international community is essential to stabilizing Iraq internally.

As the debate today on H. Con. Res. 63 continues, I take this opportunity to call attention to H.R. 744 and the various other legislative proposals that have been brought forth by members of this body to help us bring Operation Iraqi Freedom to a conclusion. In the weeks ahead I hope that this body will seriously consider these measures. It is very difficult to consider the merits of the President's decision to deploy additional troops to Iraq at this time without having received from the Administration a comprehensive plan that clearly communicates to the Congress and the American people exactly what is necessary to complete the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. Speaker, February 9th marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which authorized the forcible removal of 120,000 Japanese Americans--two-thirds of whom were United States citizens and the remainder of whom were permanent residents--living in the western United States to internment camps throughout the country. Today I rise in strong support of House Resolution 122, which recognizes February 19th as the National Day of Remembrance of these acts of injustice committed against Japanese Americans and of the curtailing of the rights of Italian and German Americans in the United States. I urge my colleagues' support for this resolution.

Nearly 3 months after the Imperial Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor precipitated the United States' entrance into World War II, this executive order led to the incarceration and relocation of loyal Americans of Japanese descent. I stand here today to acknowledge the pain and suffering that they, along with many Italian Americans and German Americans, endured.

The first of over 100,000 Japanese Americans stripped of their rights as Americans by the authorities of Executive Order 9066 were those that resided on Bainbridge Island in the State of Washington. They were given only 6 days to sell their belongings, close their businesses, and pack-up their lives before they were resettled in internment camps elsewhere in the United States. And on the morning of March 30, 1942, these Americans were congregated at Eagledale Ferry Dock under armed guard before being transported to an internment camp. Friends and neighbors converged as a symbolic gesture of unity and support for these Japanese Americans who were involuntarily removed from their community. They left behind all of their belongings and possessions that they could not carry or wear. Relegated to internment camps and living in barracks that were hastily built and unprotected from the elements, they tried to create stability for the families in a time of turmoil. Their children attended school and participated in extracurricular activities, all while being surrounded by barbed wire and under the watchful eyes of armed guards. Japanese Americans remained interned in these sites for the duration of the war.

Italian Americans and German Americans also were branded as enemy aliens and forced to acquiesce to provisions that included required identification cards, travel restrictions, seizure of personal property, and imprisonment during this time. Their wrongful treatment also deserves our attention and consideration to ensure that similar actions are never again repeated, experienced or relived.

This National Day of Remembrance is an opportunity for us to educate ourselves and others and to increase public awareness surrounding these harmful wartime decisions made by the United States Government. We take this time to recognize the Japanese American, Italian American, and German American communities that continue to plan events surrounding this anniversary, further ensuring that future generations never forget the mistakes of our past. These communities continue the legacy of honoring their elders, whose patriotism and courage during World War II are a testament to the enduring loyalty of ethnic minority Americans throughout this country.

We also acknowledge through passage of House Resolution 122 the occurrence of an egregious infringement of American citizenship rights. Passage of this resolution would provide an official record of our hope and determination that an act similar to this one is never repeated in the future. The National Day of Remembrance marks the beginning of the forced exodus of an entire ethnic minority from the western United States and today we hope to transform it into a means of educating future generations of the importance of civil liberties, especially in times of war.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from California and our Chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Mr. Honda, for his leadership in commemorating the National Day of Remembrance on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 and for sponsoring this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, February marks the 44th annual American Heart Month, an effort to raise awareness of the single largest cause of death for both men and women in this country, heart disease. Like the country as a whole, heart disease is the leading cause of death on my island of Guam.

However, heart disease is increasingly becoming an issue for Pacific Islander women. In fact, a recent Centers for Disease Control study indicates that heart disease is responsible for 214 deaths per 100,000 women on Guam. This is a staggering rate, and only through greater awareness and education can we begin to confront this challenge.

I urge everyone, Mr. Speaker, to take this opportunity to battle this disease by educating others about the benefits of healthy living and the risk factors contributing to heart disease.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 16, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Monument Act of 2007. This important legislation will expand the boundaries of the federally- recognized Minidoka Internment National Monument to include the Nidoto Nai Yoni `Let It Not Happen Again' Memorial in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 that authorized the forcible removal and relocation of Americans of Japanese ancestry from the western United States nearly 3 months after the Imperial Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor precipitated the United States' entrance into World War II. Under the authority of Executive Order 9066, on March 24, 1942, Lieutenant General John DeWitt issued Civilian Exclusion Order No. 1, forcing the removal of the 227 Japanese Americans residing on Bainbridge Island.

This edict allowed Japanese Americans residing on Bainbridge Island only 6 days to sell their belongings, close their businesses, and pack up their lives before resettlement and internment in camps elsewhere in the United States. These Americans endured the additional burden and injustice of being congregated at Eagledale Ferry Dock under armed guard before transport to the mainland. Friends and neighbors converged as a symbolic gesture of unity and support for these Japanese Americans who were involuntarily removed from the community. They left behind all the belongings and possessions that they could not carry or wear. These Americans of Japanese ancestry were the first of over 100,000 Japanese Americans to be interned in remote and desolate camps. They were the first group of Japanese Americans to be stripped of their rights as American citizens under the authorities of Executive Order 9066.

Today, by authorizing this historical piece of land to be within the boundaries of the Minidoka Internment National Monument, we memorialize the sacrifices Japanese Americans made during World War II. We also would acknowledge through the enactment of this legislation the occurrence of an egregious infringement of American citizenship rights. By adopting this legislation we would provide an official record of our hope and determination that an act similar to this one is never repeated in the future. This site marks the beginning of the forced exodus of an entire ethnic minority from the western United States and today we hope to transform it into a means of educating future generations of the importance of civil liberties, especially in times of war.

This memorial, a short ferry boat ride from Seattle, is a fitting symbol of this disturbing and unfortunate chapter in American history. While the internment camps themselves are located in desolate areas, far away from everyday sight and thought, this monument, in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, will serve as a continual reminder of the patriotism of Japanese Americans during the Second World War and the mistakes that we should never let happen again. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation and I commend our colleague, the gentleman from Washington, Mr. Inslee, for his sponsorship of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge that on Saturday, January 13, 2007, Mr. Alfred C. Ysrael of Tamuning, Guam, was recognized as the 2006 Executive of the Year during a ceremony sponsored by Guam Business magazine. Mr. Ysrael is the chairman and president of Tanota Partners, which owns and operates three hotels and several other profitable real estate holdings on Guam. He has spent the last 50 years growing and diversifying his business interests on Guam, creating thousands of local jobs for Guam's workforce and strengthening Guam's economy. The year 2007 marked the occasion of the 24th anniversary of Guam Business magazine presenting the Executive of the Year award.

It is not uncommon for successful businessmen, such as Alfred, to come from humble beginnings. They start out with only a dream, a few dollars in their pockets, and a commitment to excellence. Hard work and an unfaltering belief in what they seek to accomplish are essential to their success. Alfred was born and raised in the Philippines. He graduated from De La Salle University in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in commerce ready and eager to pursue the American dream. Mr. Ysrael now stands as a prominent figure among the pioneers of post-war business and commerce on Guam.

Mr. Ysrael arrived on Guam in 1952 as a guest worker with a 3-year contract to serve as an accountant for a military bowling alley. He purchased six surplus bowling lanes and opened the Anigua Bowling Alley, Guam's first, post-war civilian bowling alley upon completing his contract. Seven years later, in 1958, he became a U.S. citizen and was drafted into the U.S. Army. Alfred served his adopted country with honor and after his service returned to civilian life to his fledgling business interests. In 1960, he married Diana Zeien, my sister, with whom he has five children: Michael, Elizabeth, Mariana, Catherine, and Donna. Alfred is a devoted father and husband who always placed his family responsibilities first. His son Michael now serves as general manager of Tanota Partners, and his daughter Donna also has joined the firm. Alfred and Diana are the proud, loving grandparents of 13 grandchildren.

Alfred opened the Fujita Hotel, which catered to the Japanese tourists who arrived too late in the evening to secure hotel rooms, in the late 1960s when Guam's tourist industry was in its infancy. Alfred also invested in bringing Hilton International to Guam and remains a shareholder in Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. In 1987, he built the SunRoute, Ohana, Hotel and the Regency, Ohana, 2 years later. Mr. Ysrael's most recent venture was the construction and operation of the Outrigger Guam Resort in 1999. Alfred also developed apartment buildings in addition to building hotels. His tenants were primarily teachers and other workers hired from off-island. In time, however, as Guam's population grew and housing shortages became acute, many came to know Mr. Ysrael as their landlord.

Alfred and his businesses also have given much back to the community. Alfred was elected to serve the people of Guam as a senator in the 12th and 13th Guam Legislatures, from 1973 to 1977. He also served as a member of the Guam Board of Education from 1970 to 1971. Alfred further has a long and established record of philanthropy and community service on Guam. Largely as a result of his commitment to family and community and a strong belief in sports for young people--his own children are accomplished athletes--Mr. Ysrael and Tanota Partners are supporters of swimming, soccer and Tae Kwon Do teams on Guam. They also provide support for the South Pacific Games, the Guam National Olympic Committee, and the American Cancer Society's Annual Relay for Life. Athletics aside, Alfred and his family have also helped to raise funds for the American Cancer Society to increase awareness about breast cancer on Guam.

It is said that successful business persons should give back to the community that fostered their success. For the past 50 years and continuing today, Mr. Alfred C. Ysrael has indeed come far from humble beginnings and has given back in many, many ways to our island community which he proudly calls home.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Rosa Aguigui Reyes, the first woman to win election to public office on Guam. Her precedent setting election broke through the ``marble ceiling'' present on Guam at that time. In doing so, she paved the way for other women--including me--to serve as elected leaders of our island's community. Mrs. Reyes, elected to the Guam Congress's House of Assembly in 1946, passed away on January 29, 2007, at the age of 91.

Uniformed officers of the Department of the Navy were appointed by the President of the United States to serve as Governor of Guam for the period immediately following the liberation of Guam from enemy occupation. The bicameral Congress on Guam served at this time as an advisory body to the governor. Members of the Guam Congress were bona fide representatives of their constituents but possessed no legislative powers.

Mrs. Reyes, by standing for election to Guam's Congress, defied convention. Governance on Guam was considered a male prerogative. Mrs. Reyes, to her credit and to the benefit of all of us who came after her, stood for office so that the voices of Guam's women could be heard, and they were. Mrs. Reyes served with honor and distinction. Her service remains as an inspiration for me and so many other women on Guam.

Mrs. Reyes, born in the village of Merizo on February 7, 1915, was not only a politician. In fact, she was among the first group of teachers trained at the College of Guam. She graduated with an associate's degree in education in 1954. Mrs. Reyes, however, possessed significant experience as a classroom teacher well before her earning of her degree. Mrs. Reyes began teaching at Merizo Martyrs Elementary School in 1933. She taught there for 31 years. She also served for 11 years as principal of F.Q. Sanchez Elementary School in the village of Umatac before retiring from the Guam Public School System.

Mrs. Reyes also worked as the principal research assistant to the late Dr. Laura Thompson, an anthropologist who authored studies about Chamorro culture and history before and after World War II. Dr. Thompson returned to Guam shortly after the war to conduct continued research on Guam's culture and to determine what effects and impacts the years of occupation during the war had on the Chamorro people. Mrs. Reyes and Dr. Thompson enjoyed a joyful reunion in 1987, when Dr. Thompson made her final trip to Guam.

Mrs. Reyes was enrolled in the Guam Educators' Hall of Fame in 1983, in recognition of her legacy as an educator, her contributions to the study of Chamorro history and culture, and her courage and leadership in teaching us that women can rightfully and ably serve in elected public office. She remained committed to serving her church and its community activities throughout her life. Her interest in cultural preservation and in traditional arts also never waned. Mrs. Reyes, as evidence of the strength of her character, remained humble despite having established a prominent, diverse, and precedent setting legacy for herself in the history of our island and in the hearts of our people. Mrs. Reyes is an admirable role model and her life will inspire future generations of leaders on Guam.

I join the people of Guam in mourning the passing of Mrs. Rosa Aguigui Reyes and I offer my condolences to her husband, Mr. Ignacio Reyes, a former commissioner of Merizo, and her children and grandchildren. I thank them for supporting her efforts to contribute to the betterment of Guam. They can be proud of her achievements, and we share in their pride for her legacy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce H.R. 744, the Iraq Policy Revitalization and Congressional Oversight Enhancement Act. This bill is a modified version of H.R. 5630, the Iraq Congressional Oversight Enhancement Act, which I introduced on June 16, 2006, during the 109th Congress.

H.R. 744 expresses strong, continued support for United States military and civilian personnel deployed to Iraq and serving world-wide in support of the mission in that country. We owe these individuals a debt of gratitude that is simply un-payable.

Section two of H.R. 744 provides a select catalog of major events that have shaped Operation Iraqi Freedom. This section of the bill is not operative but is important to the context through which this bill should be reviewed.

Section three of this bill provides a comprehensive set of policy statements that would express grave concerns with the fact that the Government of Iraq, at the present time, appears to be incapable or unwilling to govern in a unified manner in the interest of all Iraqis. That is, the bill would express Congress's concern that representatives of the various, prominent parties in Iraq use their government offices, public resources, ministry employment opportunities under their control, and certain units of Iraqi Security Forces, in addition to their political militias, vigilante, and criminal groups, to seek to achieve their party's individual, parochial, biased, and competing political, economic and security objectives, in order to bolster their party's political, economic, and military power in and influence throughout Iraq. This bill would express grave concern that the inability or unwillingness of the Government of Iraq to govern in moderate terms contributes to violence against United States servicemembers and Coalition forces, creates barriers to national reconciliation in Iraq, and impedes the expeditious completion of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the return of our servicemembers to their peacetime duty stations. Section three of the bill raises significant issues regarding the reliability of the Government of Iraq that should be reviewed and considered as Congress proceeds in its review of current United States policy toward Iraq.

H.R. 744 also would enhance our ability to engage in more detailed, coordinated, and

better informed oversight of activities with respect to Iraq. The provisions of section four of this bill would first consolidate existing, overlapping congressional reporting requirements. Section four of H.R. 744 would provide for a unique, comprehensive and focused analytical model around which future reporting to Congress by the Administration can be organized. That is, this bill would require from the President a single, regular, consolidated and comprehensive report that more exactly defines the political, economic, security, infrastructure, and governance capacity building benchmarks that are necessary and possible for United States military and civilian personnel to achieve at the various levels of government in Iraq in order to complete Operation Iraqi Freedom. The information contained in such a report also would include whether programs and projects that are essential to achieving those benchmarks are being executed; whether those programs and projects are successful toward achieving those ends; and whether gaps exist. The report pursuant to section four of H.R. 744, moreover, would include a comprehensive intelligence assessment of Iraq. Furthermore, and notably, the report would include sections that provide the President the opportunity to justify why he did not adopt and implement any of the recommendations made by the Iraq Study Group.

Section five of H.R. 744 would require that the President utilize--to the extent possible--the benchmarks he reports to Congress as a foundation for a multilateral agreement between the United States, Coalition countries, the Government of Iraq, regional countries, where appropriate, and relevant multilateral organizations to help stabilize Iraq. Countries in the region and the international community need to be more fully engaged and participating in the effort to stabilize Iraq. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey and others among the international community should have a strong interest in a stable Iraq and we should welcome and encourage their further involvement in the process of stabilizing Iraq. Engaging Syria and Iran with regard to Iraq policy is a serious issue. It is an issue that requires vigorous and thorough debate. A wide range of opinions on the issue of engagement with Syria and Iran with regard to Iraq may exist. For this reason, an effort toward reaching consensus on this issue should be pursued. It is because of the lack of consensus on this issue that I have written into H.R.744 the conditioning phrase--``(where appropriate)''--in the provisions that would direct the President to engage regional countries.

H.R. 744 would not set a timeline or deadline for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. The bill also is silent on whether the President should increase the numbers of troops in Iraq or should initiate a phased withdrawal of forces from Iraq. But H.R. 744 would express grave concern that prolonged commitment of United States Armed Forces to Iraq may adversely affect the overall readiness of our military and hamper its ability to provide adequate resources to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and to other contingencies around the world. Lastly, H.R. 744 does not dictate to the President the terms of completion for the mission in Iraq.

The war in Iraq is approaching its fourth year. The year 2007 will be perhaps the most challenging and critical year to date for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 110th Congress, which was recently elected, will be the third consecutive Congress responsible for providing oversight of this war. Recent commentary notes Congress's record of oversight of Iraq is not one with which we should be satisfied. Our oversight of Iraq must be improved, and soon.

We are leaders with the responsibility, authority, and ability to act. We are leaders whose actions or inactions will have impacts-- either positive or negative--that will span not only two-year election cycles, but also decades and possibly generations. We are leaders who history will judge not just by the power of our words, but also by the wisdom and courage of our actions. The seriousness of the situation in Iraq should compel this body to place a renewed emphasis on revitalizing United States-Iraq policy and enhancing Congressional oversight of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Support for H.R. 744 will go far toward achieving these objectives.

H.R. 744 recognizes the complex and interdependent nature of the challenges Coalition forces, civilian personnel and the Government of Iraq face today. That is, each level of government in Iraq--national, national capital city, regional, provincial, provincial capital, and municipal--experiences both shared and unique, and both isolated and interrelated political, economic, security, infrastructure, and governance capacity development challenges. The fact that, in some cases, difficult, contentious, or inefficient relationships between the central government in Baghdad and the regional and various provincial governments exist adds an additional level of complexity to establishing good and effective governance in Iraq. Iraq also is home to individuals of various ethnicities--such as Arabs, Kurds, Turcoman, Assyrians, and others--who ascribe to various religions--such as Sunni or Shia Islam, Christianity, Yezidi, and others--and who speak a variety of languages--such as Arabic, Kurdish, Assyrian, and Armenian. Some of Iraq's provinces are largely homogenous, such as Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Basra, or Anbar. Others contain a combination of demographic groups such as Kirkuk, Nineweh and Babil. Still others, such as Baghdad, contain a mix of all of the groups. This ethnic, religious, and cultural variety creates complex political, economic, security, governance, and social challenges on the ground in Iraq. And it is within these levels of government in Iraq, in these cities and communities and among these diverse ethnic groups, and against these political, economic, security, governance, and social complexities and challenges that our servicemembers and civilian personnel serving in Iraq work to develop that country politically, economically, and infrastructure and security-wise, as well as work to build governance capacity at each of the levels of government in Iraq. Their mission is a difficult, varied, and complicated one. It is one that is vastly more complicated and complex than recent congressional debate and congressional oversight efforts would reveal. And both must be brought more into line with the realities that our personnel on the ground in Iraq face daily.

It is not within our capacity to solve all of Iraq's problems, nor is solving all of them necessary to honorably and expeditiously complete the mission in Iraq and to bring our troops home. Solving the key problems, however, is essential to completing the mission in Iraq. H.R. 744 would require the President to identify specifically which problems at and between each level of governance in Iraq and among the various pillars of our activities there are necessary and possible for us to solve in order to complete Operation Iraqi Freedom. The bill also would require the President to identify the programs, projects and activities utilized to achieve these vital measures and other benchmarks. Moreover, H.R. 744 would require the President to provide regular, consolidated and comprehensive reporting to Congress on the progress toward achieving these benchmarks. But while requiring this specific information H.R. 744 also provides the President flexibility to adjust or modify the benchmarks should events on the ground necessitate that such adjustments or modifications be made. Under the provisions of H.R. 744, however, the President would be required to provide detailed justification material to Congress to support adjustments or modifications made to the benchmarks.

As I noted in my introductory statement for H.R. 5630 in the 109th Congress, three legislative initiatives of the immediate previous Congress have required reports along these lines. These reports, provided to Congress by the Secretary of Defense, contain useful information. But, when taken together, the requirements and the content of these reports may not be sufficient for this Congress to fully exercise its oversight responsibilities pertaining to this war. A single report to provide a clear and full account of what is necessary and possible for the United States to achieve in Iraq--at the various levels of government within Iraq; what the United States Armed Forces and civilian personnel are tasked with in order to achieve those objectives; and where they are in the process of achieving them, would go far toward ensuring Congress has the information it needs to best fulfill its Constitutional responsibilities. H.R. 744 would consolidate the existing reporting requirements into a single reporting requirement of this nature.

The setting of benchmarks is not an easy task to accomplish. But it is one that must be accomplished. The setting of benchmarks alone, however, is not enough. Programs and projects must be implemented to achieve them. H.R. 744 would require the President to use these benchmarks as the foundation for a multilateral agreement to further provide for the completion of Operation Iraqi Freedom. An international agreement of this kind is needed because some of Iraq's key problems are undeniably international in nature; and they become more so--not less so--as each day passes.

An international agreement as urged by section five of this Act will help bring renewed focus to and enhanced international cooperation toward resolving Iraq's problems. Second, it will help reaffirm the existence of a united front against elements that seek to destabilize Iraq, and thus bring added pressure to bear on those actors. Third, this agreement would provide for the formation of a forum in which current and future regional security, political, and economic issues regarding Iraq's continued development can be discussed and addressed. The establishment and maintenance of conciliatory relations between Iraq, its neighbors, regional states and the international community is essential to stabilizing Iraq internally. The agreement called for by this legislative proposal, if successful, could be

utilized and expanded to form the foundation--or beginnings--of a lasting regional security arrangement. H.R. 744 would require the President to report regularly on the progress toward implementing such an agreement.

As I noted in my introductory statement for H.R. 5630 in the 109th Congress, 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. This legislation would provide us the information we need to make better informed decisions on policy with regard to Iraq.

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 Iraq Freedom is needed. I also believe that our service in this body is never more consequential than it is when our troops are in harm's way. Debate regarding issues of war and peace deserve sober reflection, reasoned thinking, critical focus, and balanced perspective. Having this debate and conducting oversight in this manner is an institutional responsibility for the House of Representatives. But it also is a personal responsibility for each of us as representatives of our constituents. The continued sacrifices made by our military and civilian personnel serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, those made by Coalition personnel, and those made by Iraqi patriots only further reinforce the need to elevate our discussion on the merits of and the challenges associated with what remains of the mission in Iraq.

I do not have the privilege of a full vote on the floor of the House of Representatives. And I represent American citizens serving in the United States Armed Forces who, because they are residents of Guam, cannot vote for their Commander-in Chief. Introducing legislation to revitalize Iraq policy and enhance Congressional oversight of Operation Iraqi Freedom represents a good faith effort on my part to fulfill my obligation to serve those who are serving us in defense of our freedoms.

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 we will have to defend to history. I am confident that the provisions of H.R. 744 will help toward achieving these ends. I respectfully request that my colleagues review and consider the provisions of this legislative proposal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule under consideration which, if adopted, will allow this House to openly and fairly debate an issue important to my constituents and to our fellow Americans who reside right here in the shadow of the Capitol dome, the citizens of our Nation's Capital City, and our fellow Americans who reside in the U.S. territories.

I urge a ``yes'' vote on this rule because it means we can move forward with this important debate. Our participation in the Committee of the Whole, a symbolic vote, in the manner proposed by the amendment to the rules would be consistent with the very foundations of our representative democracy.

This issue is about elected public office for which we, as Members and Delegates alike, take a solemn oath. Like all Members, we, too, solemnly affirm to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and to well and faithfully discharge the duties inherent with that responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, it is in keeping with this oath that I come to the floor today to appeal for support on the rule and the resolution on principle and on the merits of this issue.

This is about representation, the very core of this institution. This is about a symbolic but meaningful gesture. It is about inclusion. It is about the principle that every American deserves to be represented with a vote in Congress.

This is a step in the right direction. It is not without precedent, and it has survived review by the judicial branch. The history of service by Delegates to Congress from the territories dates back almost to the founding of our country. The noted and well-respected historian Robert Remini, in his excellent history of the House published just last year, notes that one of the most unique features of the House of Representatives under the Constitution is the fact that Delegates from the territories can participate, and have participated, in important debates.

I urge a ``yes'' vote on this rule in the spirit of this tradition.

Madam Speaker, I rise in full support of House Resolution 78, which would grant a measure of symbolic participation for the Delegates in the Committee of the Whole.

Our chairman referred to General Blaz earlier. He was a distinguished Delegate representing Guam, and he was a member of the Republican Party. But the participation is neither Democrat nor Republican here; it is American.

Let me say a few words about my district, the island of Guam. Some would point out that Guam's population is small, with only about 160,000 residents. I would point out that Guam has lost seven soldiers in the Iraq war, far more per capita than most communities other than maybe American Samoa. If our Nation had the same percentage of deaths in the Iraq war as Guam, the death toll would be more than three times the current toll. In other words, when it comes to joining the military and dying for our country, Americans from our island have more than contributed our share.

Some would say that Guam does not deserve this new level of participation. I would respond that you have not met the people of Guam who survived a brutal enemy occupation during World War II. You have not heard their stories of loyalty to our Nation. You have not learned of their confinement in concentration camps, of their being beaten and beheaded. You have not seen and felt their patriotism.

Our ability to participate in the Committee of the Whole would make these sacrifices all the more meaningful for us as Americans. It means, Madam Speaker, that my colleagues will recognize us for who we are, members, members of the American family.

Some would say that the test for our participation is our level of taxation. I say that you surely misunderstand the promise of America and the meaning of democracy. Democracy is founded on voting and participation. Would you teach this lesson to the Iraqis? Have we become this cynical as Americans that even symbolic participation is tested by the taxes that we pay? Is the greatest test the willingness to defend the Nation or the 1040s? Is the greatest sacrifice that made by our troops and their families or that made by our tax accountants?

If you would deny your fellow Americans, the people of Guam, this small bit of symbolic participation, the greater loss is our Nation's loss of its promise to the world of a democracy that is inclusive and that values all of its citizens. The loss is the ideal of American democracy, however imperfect. The loss is the recognition of a cynical Congress that wants to know how much taxes you have paid, not how much sacrifice that you have made for this great land. The loss, ladies and gentlemen, is not Guam or the territories or the District of Columbia. It is the Nation's.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 392, the District of Columbia and the United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act.

This bill would authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for a circulating quarter dollar coin program to honor the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Commemorative Coin Program Act was passed, Madam Speaker, in 1997, and enacted as Public Law 105-124. It authorized the minting of 50 commemorative coin designs to represent the unique culture and history of each respective State. This is an unprecedented program by which the design of the United States quarter dollar changes five times each year for a 10-year period beginning in January 1999. The 50 States are honored under the current program in the order in which they were admitted into the Union. This program authorized the first change to the quarter since production of the bicentennial quarter in 1975-1976 and is meant to foster pride among citizens of each State, greater appreciation for the diversity of our Nation, and to instill an enhanced sense of national unity. By all accounts, Madam Speaker, this program has been a resounding success. However, it has excluded the territories.

H.R. 392 represents the fifth consecutive attempt, the fifth consecutive attempt to enact legislation to honor the Capital City, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. territories by including them in the 50 State Quarter Program.

I want to thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), who has persevered over all these years to try to get this piece of legislation through, and I also thank the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) for his continued strong support for the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories to be included in this successful program.

I represent Guam, an island approximately 3,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. Guam, like the District of Columbia and the other U.S. territories, has unique attributes that too few Americans are aware of. In fact, it is all too common for Americans to be unaware of or misinformed about Guam's relationship with the United States and that its residents are duly U.S. citizens. I believe this record should be improved, and one way to accomplish this is to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the circulating quarter dollar coin program to honor the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.

The bottom line is that every time someone looks at the back of a quarter, they learn something about the State represented. Much can be learned about Guam and her sister territories and the District. In doing so, the curious American will learn more about their wonderful country in which they live and more about their fellow Americans with whom they share this bountiful land.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 29, which has been introduced in recognition of the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month for 2007. Young people today are confronted with many challenges in life. They can find the confidence to overcome many of these challenges through a mentor.

The benefits of a mentor are immeasurable. We take this opportunity today through consideration of this resolution to honor those mentors who unselfishly give of their time to encourage and support students across our country. Mentors provide important guidance and friendship to students and they serve as positive role models in our community. Mentors listen and above all, they care.

Mentors leave an indelible imprint on our minds and hearts. I, as well as many of my colleagues, had mentors that helped us shape our aspirations and achieve our goals. The confidence and support that they provide is something that every young person deserves.

Unfortunately, there are not enough mentors for the millions of children who want or need them. Currently, as this resolution notes, approximately 15 million young people are in need of mentors across our country. As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, let us commit ourselves to raising awareness and to promoting the rewards of mentoring for mentors, our children, our communities and our country.

I also take this opportunity today to commend the young people who participate in mentoring programs. Their involvement in mentoring partnerships demonstrates their personal commitment to improve the lives of others. Let us continue to encourage them by providing additional opportunities and resources to enhance and reinforce their mentoring work. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.