Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Governor Bill Daniel, a former Governor of Guam, who passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2006, at his home in Liberty, TX, at the age of ninety. His legacy has left an indelible imprint on our island and our people. Daniel served as Governor of Guam from 1961 to 1963. He was appointed to this position by President John F. Kennedy. Governor Daniel not only rose to the task, he adopted the island as his second home and implemented changes that continue to benefit our island to this day.

Governor Daniel was a ``hands-on'' leader. He mounted a massive, island-wide clean-up campaign that included cutting a trail to reach the isolated Talofofo Falls, which continues to serve as one of the island's most beautiful and popular sites for visitors. Before his first 100 days ended, Governor Daniel signed legislation upgrading education by elevating the College of Guam to a four-year institution of higher learning now known as the University of Guam. The University of Guam today is an accredited institution providing quality education to approximately 3,000 students on our island.

He is however best known for removing the security clearance requirement for persons who traveled to or from Guam, including residents. The lifting of this clearance is acknowledged as the single most important act which stimulated Guam's economy.

Governor Daniel was a true visionary whose deep love for our island and our people is manifested in his accomplishments as Governor of Guam. In addition to his many successes, he never wavered in his belief that our

island was ready for a greater degree of self-governance. In 1963, Governor Daniel resigned from his position, allowing the Honorable Manuel Guerrero, his friend and protege, to succeed him as Governor.

Governor Daniel was instrumental in helping shape our island and his success in removing the security clearance paved the way for our thriving visitor industry and private sector development. Though his tenure was brief, Governor Daniel's deep affection for Guam never waned. He set up a scholarship fund at the University of Guam to ensure his legacy in promoting higher education. He maintained his relationship with many of our leaders throughout the years, especially those leaders he mentored, and he remained an advocate and a friend of Guam. My late husband, former Governor Ricky Bordallo, was inspired by Governor Daniel's leadership and he always counted Governor Daniel as one of the most important leaders of our island and a historical figure whose vision changed our island. I will always remember him as that larger than life Texan whose greatest contribution was in knowing how to encourage local leaders. He had the wisdom to step aside at the right moment so that the people of Guam can exercise self-governance, and for that graciousness, we will always be thankful.

My thoughts and prayers are with his daughters Ann, Susan and Dani. I join all the people of Guam in expressing our deepest gratitude for his dedication and service to our island. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of two individuals, who, for the last 11 years, have dedicated themselves to exceptional service to our community. David and Linda Harmon, Majors in the Salvation Army, are recognized in the Guam community for their boundless benevolence and enduring commitment to serving the disadvantaged, feeding, clothing and housing those in need, and helping individuals recover from substance abuse.

David and Linda Harmon first arrived on Guam in July 1995. The Salvation Army Guam Corps has become an integral part of Guam's disaster recovery and relief system under their leadership. Dave and Linda have helped the people of Guam recover from several natural disasters since their arrival on Guam, including Supertyphoon Paka in 1997, and Typhoon Chata'an and Supertyphoon Pongsona in 2002. The Salvation Army donated thousands of dollars of food, clothing, and supplies through their efforts to many residents who lost everything as a result of these natural disasters. The organization under their leadership also assisted in providing humanitarian assistance to the Kurdish refugees who were evacuated from Iraq to Guam as part of Operation Pacific Haven in 1996, and to Burmese refugees who came to Guam to seek political asylum in the United States in 2000. Additionally, the Salvation Army Guam Corps, under the Harmon's leadership in 1997, provided critical assistance in the aftermath of the tragic crash of Korean Air Flight 801 on Guam.

The Harmons helped establish the substance abuse recovery program which eventually became known as the Lighthouse Recovery Center. The Lighthouse Recovery Center has grown from meager beginnings to a 16-bed residence today, and has helped start over 200 men down the road to recovery from substance abuse and addiction. With guidance from the Harmons the Corp's Thrift Store was expanded. And after acquisition of the former Navy Chapel at Tiyan, the Salvation Army developed its Food Bank and Education Center as their Family Services and One Stop Homeless Assistance Center.

The Harmons have been active citizens in the Guam community outside of the Salvation Army as well. They are members of the Guam Symphony Society, the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay, the Guam Homeless Coalition, the Council on Home1essness, and Linda is a past president and member of the Guam Women's Club.

Mr. Speaker, over the years, I have come to personally know the Harmons. I helped welcome them to Guam as Lieutenant Governor when they first arrived on the island, and as a Charter Member of Guam Corps, I have worked closely with them in the activities of the Salvation Army. David and Linda are kind, self-sacrificing, and have a genuine, passionate love for Guam and its people. They are dear friends to many, and we will all miss them when they leave Guam for their next duty station. I am only comforted by the fact that the Salvation Army Santa Monica, California Corps will be in very capable hands under their leadership.

Therefore, on behalf of a grateful island, I join their children, Joel, Fred, Holly, and Lisa, and all the people of Guam in extending a heartfelt ``Dangkulo na Si Yu'os Ma'ase'' to David and Linda Harmon for all the good they have done for the people of Guam and for their service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Bill Daniel, a former Governor of Guam, who passed away on Tuesday at his home in Liberty, Texas.

Governor Daniel was a close family friend whose legacy has left an indelible imprint on the people of Guam. He served as Guam's Governor from 1961 to 1963 and was appointed to the post by President John F. Kennedy. He resigned to allow Manuel Guerrero, his friend and protege, to succeed him as Governor.

Governor Daniel was a gifted and hands-on leader who adopted Guam as his second home. During his tenure, the Navy security clearance requirement for persons traveling to and from Guam was lifted. The University of Guam was elevated to a 4-year institution. Our visitor industry took root, and our agricultural program was upgraded.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughters Ann, Susan, and Dani, and the entire Daniel family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 731, commending the Patriot Guard Riders for their response to the unwelcome, disrespectful and distasteful protests occurring at the funerals of fallen servicemen across our country. America's fallen heroes deserve respect. America's fallen heroes have earned respect. I am pleased that the sanctity of their sacrifice along with the sanctity of each fallen hero's family and friends being able to mourn their loss while celebrating the life of their lost loved one in dignified burial ceremonies is being protected through the selflessness and commitment of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Since August of 2005 the Patriot Guard Riders have protected the families and friends of America's fallen soldiers from radical protesters who have sought to disrupt a sacrosanct time of mourning and ritual. Clad in leather and proudly waving the red, white, and blue, the Patriot Guard Riders impose a daunting wall to all who attempt or intend to disrupt funeral proceedings. With a membership based solely on respect for fallen heroes, their families, and their communities, the Patriot Guard Riders have sought to rise above the jeers of protesters with the revving of motorcycle engines, thereby preserving the dignity of a military funeral.

I commend the Patriot Guard Riders for their loyal allegiance to the principles of integrity and to the preservation of the sanctity of service. I join my colleagues in support of the Patriot Riders and in support of House Resolution 731.

Mr. Speaker, House Democrats continue the fight for a real prescription drug benefit that puts America's seniors first. There is no doubt that the current prescription drug program could be improved.

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs is saving millions of dollars a year simply by negotiating drug prices on behalf of our country's veterans. Just imagine how much more affordable drugs would be if the Federal Government could negotiate for lower prices on behalf of our country's 40 million seniors.

Seniors who need help affording their monthly prescription drug bills deserve to be heard.

House Democrats not only support requiring Medicare to negotiate lower prices with the drug companies, we also favor allowing for the safe reimportation of less expensive drugs from abroad. These are real solutions. Let us finally put our seniors first and help them afford their prescription drugs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5573, the Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006. Community Health Centers are important resources for our country's healthcare system and vital sources of healthcare for many Americans. Their work, the services and care they provide, and the impacts on the lives of the over fifteen million Americans they serve are commendable. Community Health Centers are important to providing quality healthcare and services to our country's underinsured, uninsured, and underserved communities.

The Northern and Southern Community Health Centers on Guam are two of the more than one thousand such health centers that serve Americans across the country. The Northern and Southern Community Health Centers on Guam are valued and trusted healthcare delivery sites for residents of Guam.

That these community health centers are flexible in their response to the particular needs of the communities they serve is of particular value. This flexibility and ability to adapt to local needs helps ensure that local communities continue to benefit from the high- quality, focused care provided by Community Health Centers such as the Northern and Southern Community Health Centers on Guam. Key among these flexible and locally tailored services is the aggressive outreach, education, and preventative medicine programs these Community Health Centers offer.

But flexible care and services tailored to local needs alone will not ensure that Community Health Centers continue to offer and provide local communities with high-quality, cost-effective healthcare. Community Health Centers, like the Northern and Southern Community Health Centers on Guam, are small and lack significant organic capabilities to earn capital. Continued access to capital to grow these centers and improve their services is vital to their continued success. I strongly support programs that provide Community Health Centers across America access to additional capital resources.

It is only as a result of the efforts of the many professionals within the greater Community Health Center community that its innovative healthcare programs and services can be provided and adequate financial resources can be best utilized for the benefit of the Center and the community it serves. The Northern and Southern Community Health Centers on Guam are staffed by dedicated professional healthcare providers and support personnel who are committed to delivering the best care possible to their patients. Their efforts to provide high-quality care to residents on Guam are representative of their commitment to our island's unique community. The compassion and level of service they display in carrying out their duties is representative of the highest qualities of professionalism demanded by the medical profession. Lastly, the level of respect they have earned among the medical community on Guam and from the patients they serve on-island is notable.

I support H.R. 5573 and the additional authorization of appropriations for the health centers program established under the Public Health Service Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 323, which supports efforts to increase childhood cancer awareness, treatment, and research. Childhood is supposed to be a carefree and exciting time filled with joy and wonderment. Too many children, unfortunately, spend their childhood fighting for their lives against cancer. Cancer takes the lives of up to 2,300 children each year. It is imperative that we do more to combat childhood cancer.

The number of childhood cancer survivors is growing. Progress is being made but more must be done. This positive trend must be increased.

To do so, efforts to increase childhood cancer awareness, treatment, and research must continue. Increased public awareness of childhood cancer will help increase public and private sector investment in childhood cancer research. More and broader investment will improve prevention, treatment, and long-term survival for cancer patients.

H. Res. 323 provides policies that encourage the development of pediatric treatments and enhances educational resources related to cancer treatments. By supporting H. Res. 323, we demonstrate our support for providing cancer patients adequate resources in medicine and education.

The recent and tragic passing of a young girl, a daughter of Guam, brought this issue to the forefront of the minds of my constituents. Justice Taitague, a 5-year-old who suffered from leukemia, passed away in February 2003. Her best chance for life was a marrow transplant. The first-ever marrow drive on Guam was held as a result of the efforts of Dr. Thomas Shieh, president of the Guam Medical Society, the Hawaiian Bone Marrow Donor Registry, and the National Marrow Donor program. This ``Drive for Justice'' registered 3,400 donors in 3 days. Awareness of the need to address childhood cancer is high on Guam. But more must be done.

We must continue to promote awareness of, research on, and treatment for childhood cancer research. We must also increase funding to support those activities. I strongly support H. Res. 323, as it will help raise awareness of the need for continued investment of financial resources and intellectual energies toward combating childhood cancer. I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of Mr. Oberstar's amendment to prevent implementation of a proposed Department of Transportation rule that would in effect reverse 60 years of precedent on United States policy in the domestic airline industry. Permitting the Department of Transportation to implement a rule that would weaken longstanding policies on domestic ownership of U.S. airlines would permit the reversal of policy that is in place specifically to ensure U.S. control of an industry that, in many ways, is of vital strategic importance to our Nation. As some of my colleagues have noted, domestic airlines fly 92 percent of our troops and 41 percent of our cargo to battlefields in the War on Terror. I believe that allowing the daily operations of our airlines to be controlled by competing and potentially unfriendly foreign interests could undermine U.S. homeland security and national defense. Having an industry that plays such a key role in times of national need be placed outside the hands of U.S. ownership could introduce a degree of unpredictability that our Nation could not afford in such crucial times.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to note that under the current rules, rules that have served the U.S. airline industry very well, that have served U.S. employees in that industry very well, that have served our Nation's traveling public very well and that have served our Nation's security very well, our Nation has successfully established Open Skies agreements with over 75 countries in the last 15 years. Current rules do not inhibit international travel or create untenable positions for trade with foreign countries. Current rules work.

I join Mr. Oberstar in opposing changes to those rules, changes that could very well jeopardize U.S. national security. I believe this is unwise and I support the Oberstar amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address H.R. 5254. While I join my colleagues in recognizing the need for resolving our Nation's problematic energy situation, I fear this bill may seek a solution by way of shortcuts that will only exacerbate the problem or develop new ones.

I believe most importantly that this bill problematically interferes with past base closure and realignment (BRAC) rounds. If nothing else, the bill will take away the legal right of communities to determine how local bases will be redeveloped. This is inconsistent with the principles this Congress has stood for when it comes to the base closure process and it is inconsistent with enabling local entities to seek what is best for their local communities instead of having those in Washington choose it for them.

Some communities face the possibility of having the power to determine how best to utilize lands on closed bases stripped away from them and given to the Secretary of Defense. This would jeopardize plans these communities have already developed, including projects for which they have already invested time and money. Expectations of entire local governments and public constituencies could be jeopardized. This is not good government.

The BRAC process has followed a simple and important principle associated with base closure: that the transformation of military installations to civilian use, once properly closed and environmentally cleaned up by the Federal Government, is best left in the hands of the community, not the Federal Government. H.R. 5254 would deprive some communities of this critical option and undercut this principle.

A closed military base on Guam has been converted into the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GIAA). It is a crucial trade and transportation hub in the Western Pacific Region today. Interfering with the process that enables successes like the conversion to a commercial airport on Guam, a process that is often a difficult one for communities faced with job losses and lost economic expenditures from base personnel, is bad policy.

This bill nonetheless would give the Department of Defense the ability to flaunt BRAC law and the BRAC process by allowing the Secretary of Defense to designate three previously closed bases for the construction of oil refineries, themselves assets our Nation does need to grow, that could then be transferred to oil companies, potentially at no cost, irrespective of local redevelopment plans, irrespective of environmental cleanup needed at the base and irrespective of community desires and previous planning. I do not support the construction of refineries at the expense of local communities. I am confident that current law sufficiently incentivizes refinery construction and that the oil industry, with record profits, can appropriately seek land and locations to construct these resources without having to rely upon land on closed military installations.

I might add that on Guam, H.R. 5254 is redundant. Shell Guam, with a large presence on Guam, has repeatedly offered the Department of Defense the ability to lease both significant storage facilities and refining capacity available on the island. The Department of Defense has never acted on this opportunity nor responded to the invitation.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I note that there is currently nothing that prevents the building of refineries on closed bases if a community chooses to do so. It is my understanding some communities with a closed base may even desire to host a refinery. But it should be their choice, not the sole decision of the federal government imposed on the local community. Those American communities already stricken by the economic pains of base closure should not and cannot now find that their reliance on BRAC law that enables community choices on how to redevelop land on closed bases will have been faulty. I do not believe that our country's energy situation can be solved at the expense of these communities and therefore am deeply concerned about H.R. 5254.

I join my colleagues in their concern with our country's over- reliance on oil, about our lack of refining capacity and about the need to develop policy to overcome these challenges. Unfortunately, H.R. 5254 goes too far and in the wrong direction in an attempt to address these challenges.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4894, to provide for certain access to national crime information databases by schools and educational agencies for employment purposes, with respect to individuals who work with children. Our children are America's future. It is important that they receive the best education we can offer them. It is also important that they be placed in a safe learning environment. Furthermore, local government has an obligation to provide for the safety and security of students. We help ensure that America's children learn without being put at risk by allowing local, territorial and state educational agencies to access national crime information databases.

Teachers play a prominent role in the lives of children and in the shaping of their character. This bill gives public and private schools the tools they need to ensure that the teachers they hire uphold the highest standards of conduct while educating our children. I support H.R. 4894 because it will help keep America's children safe inside the classroom.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 794, Recognizing the 17th anniversary of the massacre in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes. The People's Republic of China has a long record of human rights violations. By supporting H. Res. 794, we call upon the People's Republic of China to adopt desperately needed democratic reforms. In addition, by supporting this resolution, we honor individuals who have endured imprisonment, torture, and sometimes even death to advance the cause of democracy in China.

The United States is a country founded on the principle that each individual is entitled to basic human rights. We must pressure China to improve its human rights record and to abide by internationally agreed upon standards for human rights. Additionally, we must pressure China to adopt democratic reforms.

The United States has an obligation to aid in the progressive struggle to topple oppression and to sow the seeds of democracy worldwide. The disturbing events of June 3-4, 1989 in Tiananmen Square revealed the opposition of the Communist regime to political expression by the people of China, a most basic human freedom. The People's Republic of China's denial of universal suffrage in Hong Kong, despite the massive protests in 2003, its imprisonment of perhaps thousands of pro-democracy activists like Yang Jianli, and its brutal persecution of peaceful Falun Gong practitioners are further representative of the regime's oppression of its people.

H. Res. 794 calls upon the People's Republic of China to refrain from oppressing its people. Additionally, the United States reaffirms its commitment to the promotion and advancement of democratic principles in China by recognizing the 17th anniversary of the massacre in Tiananmen Square.

I strongly support this resolution. I urge my colleagues' support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 804, Condemning the unauthorized, inappropriate, and coerced ordination of Catholic bishops by the People's Republic of China. I am concerned by reports that on April 30, 2006, and again on May 3, 2006, bishops and priests in the People's Republic of China were subjected to strong pressures and threats to participate in episcopal ordinations against the wishes of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI. The ordinations were conducted by the Catholic Patriotic Association of China and without the express approval and sanction of the Holy See. Such ordinations are illegitimate. I urge the People's Republic of China to refrain from pressuring or coercing.Chinese bishops and priests to support these ordinations.

Freedom of religious expression is a fundamental right enshrined in the United States Constitution and is recognized by all civilized nations. Freedom of religion and conscience is also enshrined in Article 18 of the Uniform Declaration of Human Rights, to which the People's Republic of China is a signatory. Chinese law and policy, however, continues to restrict religious activities to those associated with the five officially sanctioned ``patriotic'' religious organizations. Additionally, the Catholic Patriotic Association of China does not represent the vast majority of Chinese Catholics and has no ecclesiastical authority to choose spiritual leaders for Catholics in the People's Republic of China.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom identifies China as one of ten ``Countries of Particular Concern.'' H. Res. 804 sends a strong message to the People's Republic of China to refrain from pressuring and coercing Chinese priests. This resolution also sends a strong message to the Catholic Patriotic Association of China to discontinue the practice of ordaining priests without the express support of the Holy Father, the Pope. Not doing so is an insult to the universal Catholic Church.

I strongly support this resolution. I urge my colleagues' support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 608, Condemning the escalating levels of religious persecution in the People's Republic of China. I am concerned by reports that the People's Republic of China persecutes, coerces, and harasses its citizens based solely on religious beliefs. Freedom of worship is a human right enshrined in Article 18 of the Uniform Declaration of Human Rights, to which the People's Republic of China is a signatory.

The abuses of members of the Catholic clergy by the Chinese government are especially troubling. The people of Guam predominantly follow the teaching and leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. The people of Guam, however, enjoy and indeed benefit from those on the island who practice different faiths. Faith in God and religious tolerance are both celebrated characteristics of the people of Guam.

The Constitution of the People's Republic of China provides for the freedom to worship as an individual chooses. I urge the People's Republic of China to act accordingly.

I strongly support this resolution. I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 1st Annual National Women's Confidence Day. I join the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) in their effort to raise awareness for and development of confidence in the personal and professional lives of women everywhere. Supporting the development and improvement of women not only in this country but around the world is of critical importance. Establishing and celebrating the 1st Annual National Women's Confidence Day has gone far to achieve this objective.

The impacts that women make in our workplaces, in our communities, and in our homes are many and commendable. The influence of women today is at a highpoint in history. Women serve in leadership roles in private sector businesses, in government, in the field of education, in the arts and sciences, and in virtually every sector of our society.

Eighty-two females proudly and ably serve as Member of Congress in the 109th Congress. I, and my female colleagues, know firsthand not only the barriers to overcome and the rigors to endure, but also the satisfaction of achieving the personal and professional goals that we have set for ourselves. Having the confidence to meet these challenges and best them makes the rewards of doing so that much more enjoyable. Having the confidence in yourself to set ambitious goals, to work towards them, and to attain them is crucial to success in both personal and professional aspects of one's life.

The 1st Annual National Women's Confidence Day will carry the message that self-confidence and self-esteem in women--old and young--are important tools not only for success in the workplace but also for living healthy, happy, and meaningful lives.

It is my pleasure to support the YWCA in promoting the far-reaching objectives of this program. Their work will improve the lives of women and girls in the United States. I commend them for their leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 729, Supporting National Tourism Week. National Tourism Week, established by Congress in 1983, celebrates tourism to our country, the hospitality of the American people, and the hard work done by the many Americans who are involved directly and indirectly in the tourism and hospitality industry. This resolution highlights some of the major economic contributions that tourism from domestic and international visitors has upon the U.S. economy, at the Federal, State and local levels.

To quantify the U.S. tourism industry as one industry is challenging. In fact, the tourism industry in the U.S. is a conglomeration of many different industries, the leadership of many individuals at the national, State and local levels, and the myriad dreams and interests of all those who come to enjoy America's vacation spots, its natural wonders, and its historical areas of interest. The strength of the U.S. tourism industry is in its diversity and the diversity of the visitors it hosts.

Tourism is vitally important to Guam. The Guam Visitors Bureau, led by Chairman David B. Tydingco, Vice Chairman Bruce Kloppenburg, General Manager Gerald S.A. Perez, Deputy General Manager Mary C. Torres, and its board members and other officers, continues its excellent work toward increasing the numbers of visitors to Guam. The Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, led by President David B. Tydingco, Chairman of the Board of Directors Bartly Jackson, and members of the board of directors, continue to ensure that the visitors to Guam receive a world-class level of hospitality, service, and entertainment during their stay on-island. The Guam Chamber of Commerce, under the able leadership of Chairman Michael T. Benito and President Eloise Baza, remains as the lead organization promoting the economic benefits of tourism to Guam and the general economic development of the island through the growth and diversification of Guam's private sector.

The vibrant, capable, and professional tourism industry in the United States provides individuals, families, and groups the ability to see, to experience, and to become a part of the many wonderful tourist attractions located across the United States. In doing so, the U.S. tourism industry facilitates greater understanding of, respect for, and identification with American history, culture and society by both Americans and guests from foreign countries. National Tourism Week is the celebration of the effort to foster better relations between communities within the U.S. and around the world while growing, diversifying, and strengthening the U.S. economy by promoting travel and tourism to the United States.