Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Kathleen Thomas Benavente on her selection as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2017 Home-Based Business Champion of the Year Award for Guam. This award honors individuals who have experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a home-based business and have worked voluntarily to improve the climate for other home-based businesses.

Kathleen is the Founder and President of The Occasion-Event Coordination and Decorating Co. Kathleen started the business as a side job to supplement her family's household expenses ten years ago and it grew into a fulltime success. Kathleen has since created over 200 events for people from all walks of life. Kathleen has always been known to have talent for organizing creative and successful events and was encouraged by friends and family to charge for her services. Kathleen and her family made substantial sacrifices and worked as the first employees to get the business going and they began to grow from word

of mouth referrals. In 2011, Kathleen took a year off from the business for reflection after her foster mother passed away. She used the time to take a class at the University of Guam Small Business Development Center and began to make changes. Kathleen changed the name of the business and created a website for the business. She also sought out a long time event planner to be her mentor. In 2015, she began to see profits and she now employs 8 part time employees and purchases supplies from local companies. Additionally, Kathleen uses the knowledge and tools she has gained from the University of Guam's Small Business Development Center and the Pacific Island Network SBDC in her business and shares them with her employees and networks.

Kathleen is also an active member of our community. Inspired by her experience as a foster child from the age of 4 to 16, Kathleen is now the President of Guam Foster Families Association. Kathleen is also the Vice-President of Soroptimist International Guam working to transform the life of women and girls. She has also served as a board member of Payu-ta, Guam's umbrella organization of non-governmental organizations since 2011.

I join the people of Guam in congratulating Kathleen Thomas Benavente on her selection as the SBA's 2017 Home-Based Business Champion for Guam. I commend her for her many contributions to our island and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Derrick Muna Quinata on being awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2017 Small Business Person of the Year Award for Guam. Derrick is being honored and recognized as an individual who has demonstrated outstanding skills, savviness, and ability to create success in the small business community. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Guam and is a Masters of Business Administration candidate with the University of Phoenix. Derrick is currently the President of Monster Auto Corp dba Guam Autospot, a family-owned automobile dealership that he built from the ground up.

Derrick opened Guam Autospot in 2008 after working in the automobile industry for several years. Derrick dreamt of owning his own dealership as a young child accompanying his mother to work selling cars. Additionally, Derrick successfully negotiated with General Motors to be named the exclusive distributor for Buick GMC for Guam and the CNMI. He is one of the youngest General Motors franchise holders in the nation. Guam Autospot is also an authorized Mitsubishi Dealer for Guam. In just eight years, Guam Autospot has grown from an operation with five vehicles on consignment to becoming a major competitor in Guam's automobile industry. Since its humble beginnings in 2008, Guam Autospot has grown to have a net profit of $1.7 million, and much of its growth can be attributed to their use of social media, technology, community outreach and customer engagement.

In particular, a hallmark of Derrick's business philosophy has been his commitment to Guam and the region by hiring local and supporting philanthropic initiatives that strengthen our communities. He was recently featured as one of Guam Business Journal's 40 under 40 who are making their mark in the Guam business community. Additionally, Derrick is a member of Dukduk Goose, Inc. Foundation that produces a local children television show that teaches children the Chamorro language and culture.

Derrick is a successful business man and family man. He is a leader in our local community and a role model for others in the private business sector. Derrick and his company are committed to Guam and the region, and to improving the community through hiring local and boosting the economy. Derrick proudly supports the local workforce and currently employs 165 people. Backed by the sustained growth of his business over the years, I look forward to continued success for him and our entire community.

I congratulate Derrick on receiving the 2017 U.S. Small Business Administration's Small Business Person of the Year Award for Guam. I join the people of Guam in commending him on this award and thanking him for his many contributions to our island community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Gyongi ``Pika'' Pilar Fejeran on her selection as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2017 Women in Business Champion for Guam. This award honors an individual on Guam who, as an advocate for women entrepreneurs, has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women's business ownership.

Pika graduated from St. John's School in Guam and later from the University of Southern California. She worked as an urban planner and project manager in Pasadena, California before returning home to help fulfill her husband's dream of owning a restaurant.

Pika and Lenny opened Pika's Cafe in 2010 and in 2015 they opened Kitchen Lingo with their partner Lingo Quichocho. Pika is the President of Pika's Cafe and Managing Partner/Secretary-Treasurer of Kitchen Lingo. Since entering the Guam restaurant scene six years ago with her husband and business partner, Lenny, they have since inspired a restaurant evolution in Guam. In these short six years, the restaurant space has tripled in size, while opening a second location. Pika's businesses are known for ``buying local'' and are known for preparing food with the freshest ingredients on the island. Pika's success is coupled with her family focused philosophy. Upon opening the first restaurant, Pika and Lenny made a conscious decision to only open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday. They chose to close on Sundays and at dinner throughout the week to ensure they always had time to spend with their three children. Pika is also deeply involved with several community organizations on Guam and is a staunch supporter of women in business. She is a board member of the Guam Women's Chamber of Commerce. Pika believes in promoting sustainable economic growth and the development of women to help them integrate into leadership roles. Her service in the Guam Women's Chamber of Commerce is evidence of her commitment to supporting the promotion of women in business on the island. Pika was recently nominated by the Guam Business Magazine for the Industry Influencer Award for her restaurants' support of buying from and supporting local farmers and businesses. Pika is also a member of the Imagine Guam Core Values Committee and Policy team, creating a vision and planning for Guam in 2065. She also serves as a Commissioner of the Chamorro Land Trust.

I join the people of Guam in congratulating Gyongi ``Pika'' Pilar Fejeran on her selection as the SBA's 2017 Women in Business Champion for Guam. I commend her for her many contributions to our island and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Monito S. Co on receiving the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2017 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year Award for Guam. This award honors an individual on Guam who has fulfilled a commitment to support and assist minority entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Monito is the General Manager of Benson Guam Enterprises, Inc., a Minority Small Business entity and one of the largest construction and building material stores in Guam. Benson Guam Enterprises, Inc. engages in retail and wholesale of materials, supplies, and equipment to construction companies, homeowners, local and federal government in Guam and customers in neighboring island communities. Monito oversees overall operations of the company and ensures that customers receive quality service, have access to a fully stocked store, and employees maintain high morale and are working diligently. Monito also serves as the company's liaison to various community, government, military and charitable projects.

Monito has been a driving force in his company's advancement of business activities and community service throughout the region. He has provided outstanding assistance to many local businesses building and renovating to improve services for everyone. Further, Monito and Benson Guam Enterprises, Inc. have worked tirelessly to support minority businesses through various charitable and community organizations. He generously volunteers his time with the Guam Chinese School Foundation, United Chinese Association of Guam, Metro Manila Association of Guam, Filipino Community of Guam, Lions Club International District 204, Make a Wish Foundation Guam Chapter, Guam Workforce Investment Board, Guam Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam, Guam Contractors Association and Guam Chinese Association.

I join the people of Guam in congratulating Monito S. Co on his selection as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2017 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year Award for Guam. I commend him for his many contributions to our island and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Guam's Autism Community Together (ACT) as they join Autism Speaks and the international community in celebrating the month of April as Autism Awareness Month to shine a light on autism. I also join the pledge to ``Light It Up Blue'' throughout the month of April to support autism awareness and autism acceptance.

World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) was established by the United Nations in 2007 to raise awareness of the issues surrounding people, particularly children with autism worldwide. World Autism Awareness Day has since been commemorated throughout the world by communities wearing blue. Autism Community Together is Guam's local organization leading the efforts to increase autism awareness and promoting World Autism Awareness Day. Autism Community Together is an organization based in Guam as a support group for families with autistic children. Though we have made great strides as a nation to improve services and opportunities for peoples with disabilities, there are still improvements that can be made. ACT is dedicated to helping individuals and parents find resources, support, and training while making diligent strides to increase the awareness of autism spectrum disorders and advocating for effective services and the unique needs of individuals with autism and their families.

During the month of April, I also encourage those throughout the Guam community and the nation to participate and pledge to ``Light It Up Blue.'' Individuals and organizations can show their support by asking friends, family, and colleagues to wear blue or accessorize with blue; light up homes and businesses with blue lights and decorations; and turn social media pictures blue. These are just small acts that we can do as a community to show our support for autism awareness and acceptance.

Additionally, I commend Autism Community Together as it hosts the 10th Annual Autism Awareness Fair ``Acceptance in Action'' to coincide with World Autism Day. The Autism Awareness Fair is the largest outreach event hosted by ACT throughout the year and brings together government agencies, non-profit organizations, service providers, support vendors with the intent to provide information and resources on the various disability related programs and services available on Guam.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I thank the Autism Community Together organization and all government agencies and community partners for their assistance to spread autism awareness and acceptance. I join ACT in pledging to light up the island of Guam blue throughout the month of April and look forward to their future contributions in opening more opportunities to those in our community living with autism.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Jacinta Elm on her selection as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2017 Financial Services Champion for Guam. Jacinta is being honored for her work in assisting small business owners through advocacy efforts to increase the usefulness and availability of accounting or financial services for small businesses.

Jacinta is the Assistant Vice President of the Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Division for the Bank of Guam, the largest financial institution on Guam, serving individual clients, small businesses, middle-market and large corporations, and government entities. She is responsible for conveying awareness of the threat of cybercrime facing small businesses. Jacinta is one of only two Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists on Guam. Her training included identifying money laundering and terrorist financing methods, the best practices to stop these and other financial crimes, as well as key related legislation in place worldwide, and Anti-Money Laundering standards and developing defenses for financial institutions to stop terrorist financing and money laundering. Through Jacinta's certification, the Bank of Guam and its customers have access to the most reputable and recognizable network of specialized knowledge.

She is a cancer survivor who lost the ability to walk and had to re- learn how to walk. Jacinta has used the lessons she learned in fighting cancer and applies that same passion to helping others within the Bank of Guam and the community to identify and manage risks that could lead to unintended, potentially catastrophic consequences. Jacinta leads the Bank of Guam's regular outreach program for Money Services Businesses which provide services such as check cashing, money transfer, prepaid store value cards, money orders, travelers' checks, and tax preparation for clients. This is an outreach provided by the Bank of Guam to enhance awareness, which no other local financial institution provides. Jacinta helps Money Services Businesses meet their Bank Secrecy Act compliance obligations, protect the community and customers they serve and maintain strong relationships with their financial and banking partners.

I join the people of Guam in congratulating Jacinta Elm on her selection as the SBA's 2017 Financial Services Champion for Guam. I commend her for her many contributions to our island and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions and achievements of the Batangas and Southern Tagalog Association (BASTA) of Guam to the Guam community for the past forty years. The small organization was established on July 16, 1977 as the Batangas Association by Eddie Espina, Rey Gonzalves, Marcy Manipol, and Ronnie Saludo. Over the past forty years, the group has worked hard to fulfill its mission as a non-profit, civic club promoting friendship and understanding among the Batanguenos community and other residents of Guam.

The organization grew steadily over the years, and in 1984 the board opened its membership to embrace Filipinos in the club from surrounding provinces and soon became the Batangas and Southern Tagalog Association. BASTA membership is now open to a wider group of people from various islands in the Philippines including Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Aurora, Quezon, Palawan, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, and Romblon. Members of BASTA have chosen to make Guam their home and have positively contributed to the growth of Guam as educators, nurses, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, engineers, and every other profession.

Over BASTA's forty years of service to Guam, the organization has contributed to many non-profit and charitable organizations. BASTA has given generously to causes such as the Guam Lytico-Bodig Association, American Red Cross, Catholic Social Services, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Alee Shelter, Guam Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society and many others. BASTA also contributes to many causes in the Philippines during times of need and natural disaster, and supporting education efforts through the building and maintenance of school facilities.

A unique feature of BASTA is the youth branch of the organization. The BASTA Youth are made up of the children and young relatives of its members and are active in carrying out the mission of the organization. The BASTA Youth have raised funds to support the club through song and dance productions, which later morphed into what is now BASTA's annual Christmas caroling fundraising. BASTA has become a very popular group during the holiday season, performing their lively carols at venues across Guam to support their mission.

I congratulate the Batangas and Southern Tagalog Association of Guam on the occasion of their 40th Anniversary of serving the people of Guam. I join the people of Guam in thanking them for their contributions to our island

Mr. Speaker, today I re-introduce legislation to authorize and establish an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, and direct revenue from the established system to fund CBP operations and staffing needs for ports of entry in Guam and the CNMI.

The regional Guam-CNMI VWP recognizes Guam's unique location in Asia, and the need to be more competitive for tourists from other Asian nations. With Guam's primary source of economic revenue being tourism from Asia, my legislation would address several issues that have hampered our visitor industry and that continue to cost CBP millions of dollars annually in processing costs. The majority of foreign arrivals at Guam International Airport are those traveling under the Guam-CNMI VWP, and long immigration lines are a recurring issue due to limited staffing capacity when arrivals peak at Guam International Airport. At their peak, sometimes 1,200 passengers arrive when multiple flights arrive nearly simultaneously the wait times at immigration can be as long as two and a half hours.

I recognize that there are complaints about long wait lines at other international ports of entry. However, the long wait-times have caused harm to Guam's reputation in our primary visitor markets of Japan and South Korea. In fact, Japan television shows and radio programs have mocked the long lines and wait times at Guam International Airport, which has negatively impacted Guam's standing as a family-friendly destination for our Asian allies. The flight from Japan or South Korea is a little over three hours and, sadly, some of these visitors have waited about as long, or at times longer, in line than it takes to travel from their home country to Guam. That is unacceptable and runs counter to the previous Administration's goal of improving the arrivals process for international travelers arriving in the United States, as outlined in a memorandum to heads of executive departments and agencies on May 22, 2014. My legislation would work to address the problems that are occurring with long wait times at our respective ports of entry. Tourism is critical to the economies of the region, and we cannot let an antiquated visitor entry system and inadequate staffing harm our economy.

Establishing an ESTA specific to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program would help to address several issues faced by visitors arriving at Guam International Airport. First, the current process relies on a paper- based system which is cumbersome and only adds to the delays when arriving. The bill would allow CBP to

automate that process and, as a result, save an estimated $4 million annually that is used by CBP to process and file the paper forms. This is a commonsense reform that will save the federal government money and improve the customer experience at Guam International Airport and ports of entry in the CNMI.

Admittedly, CBP has the authority to create an ESTA system for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. However, they do not have the authority to direct revenues collected from this automated process towards staffing at ports of entry in Guam and CNMI. As such, it is the consensus of tourism industry leaders and other stakeholders that there is an ultimate need for this legislation. I am informed that staffing has not increased in Guam since after the 9/11 attacks. The CBP staffing pattern was sufficient, but as the number of tourists grows on Guam the lines have also grown and the staffing has not kept up with demand. Making the visitor entry process into ports of entry in Guam and CNMI electronic is part of the solution, but additional staffing is still required especially since nearly 50 percent of our visitors are first-time visitors and cannot avail themselves of Automated Passport Control (APC) systems.

I am proud of the innovative programming that brings people from all over the world to Guam. For example last year, Guam hosted the Festival of the Pacific Arts (FestPac) a quadrennial cultural event for island nations in the Pacific, which is the largest gathering for Pacific peoples to unite and strengthen our cultural ties. Over 12,000 visitors, cultural performers, and native artists came to Guam to participate in FestPac, and I appreciated the commitment of former Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske to ensure there was adequate staffing at Guam International Airport. But that additional staffing was accomplished by approving extra overtime for employees which is a costly endeavor. Events like FestPac show the maturation and growth of Guam's tourism industry. Improving the processes and capabilities of our ports of entry to ensure a pleasant experience for our visitors is a top priority, and the solutions must be long-standing and sustainable. We cannot simply rely on overtime of employees to meet the current and emerging demands at our main international port of entry.

An ESTA for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program is an innovative, sustainable, common-sense, and cost-saving technological solution that would save the federal government millions, improve the visitor experience for our tourists, and increase resources to improve CBP capabilities by freeing up important personnel capacity to effectively monitor real threats to our national security. An electronic system for travel authorization would ultimately modernize and improve a Visa Waiver Program that continues to benefit the people of Guam and CNMI. My bill would help ensure that federal policy enhances economic opportunities and development in our region instead of being an impediment

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of my good friend and our former colleague from American Samoa, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, who passed away on February 22, 2017. Throughout his 26 years here in the House of Representatives, Eni was a tireless champion for the people of American Samoa, an advocate for the U.S. territories, and leader on issues affecting the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. He was also a leader on the House Foreign Affairs Committee on issues important to the Asia-Pacific region. More importantly, he got leaders in Congress and in administration after administration to focus on the importance of the Pacific Islands. We are often overlooked in grand Asia strategy but he got policymakers to understand our importance to the world community.

I am proud to have worked with Eni on a number of issues that impact the Asia-Pacific region and the 4.5 million Americans living in the territories. For much of my time here in Congress, Eni was the longest serving representative from a U.S. territory, so he was the Dean of what we refer to as our Territorial Caucus. I leaned on his advice and appreciated his insightful perspectives that were grounded in not only his almost three decades as a Member of Congress, but also his work in public service as American Samoa's Lieutenant Governor and Deputy Attorney General, as a staffer here on Capitol Hill, and service in the U.S. Army. He, like many Members in this body, fought hard to secure much needed federal funding for American Samoa. Eni had a broad vision but never forgot his constituents. He never forgot the people that gave him the privilege to serve in this esteemed body. His depth of knowledge and compassion for the less fortunate were evident to everyone he met, and I will look back fondly on the work that we did together in Congress.

Eni's passing is a great loss for the people of American Samoa and all Americans, and we are all better for having known him. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and the people of American Samoa, and I join them in celebrating his memory. I thank my colleague from American Samoa, Congresswoman Radewagen for organizing this Special Order, so that this body can appropriately honor and pay tribute to Congressman Faleomavaega for his years of dedicated service to his constituents and to our nation. He is deeply missed, but he will forever be remembered by all who he served.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to amend the Organic Act of Guam to prohibit salary changes for the Governor of Guam, the Lieutenant Governor of Guam, and Senators of the Guam Legislature until after a general election of the Legislature has passed. During last year's election, the people of Guam made clear that they disapproved of salary changes made in previous years for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and members of our Legislature, and my bill would ensure that any changes to the salaries of our local elected officials are appropriately deliberated and considered consistent with how Congress handles these matters.

The Organic Act of Guam establishes the framework of the Government of Guam but it is silent on provisions regarding changes in salary for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or members of the local Guam Legislature. Changes can be made and implemented at anytime simply by changing local law, and this has caused division in our community. Over the past several years, local policymakers and the people of Guam have debated pay increases that were proposed and instituted shortly after the 2014 general election. While I believe that these issues are up to local policymakers, and ultimately the people of Guam to decide, the Organic Act should provide safeguards regarding salaries for these elected officials that will prevent divisiveness in our community. The bill that I am introducing today would prevent the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Senators from increasing their salaries until after an intervening election of the Legislature has occurred. This is similar to the 27th Amendment to the Constitution that prohibits Members of Congress from increasing their pay until after an intervening election, and it is consistent with a request made by the Guam Legislature for me to introduce an amendment to the Organic Act for this purpose.

This bill is a step towards improving accountability for elected officials in Guam and is consistent with public opinion in Guam and the views expressed by the Guam Legislature. I encourage its adoption and urge my colleague to pass this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1362 a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Pago Pago, American Samoa the Faleomavaega Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin VA Clinic. This is a fitting way to honor the life and service of my good friend and colleague former Congressman Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa. During his 26 years of service in the House of Representatives, Congressman Faleomavaega displayed unwavering commitment to addressing a wide range of issues affecting veterans in the Pacific. His focus on access to health care and veteran services in remote areas of the Pacific ensured that veterans had access to the critical resources and services they needed and deserved after serving their country. His efforts directly contributed to increasing the quality of life of veterans throughout the Pacific region. Naming the VA facility in Pago Pago in his honor is a tribute to his service and commitment to the veterans in the Pacific region.

Congressman Faleomavaega's compassion for veterans can be attributed to his own service as an Army officer during the Vietnam conflict. Serving in this capacity gave him firsthand knowledge of the sacrifices servicemen make to protect our way of life.

I deeply miss Eni's advice, friendship and compassion for veterans. His passing has created a void for all that have known him. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend my condolences to his family and the people of American Samoa. Our lives are richer for knowing Eni. I also extend my appreciation to Congresswoman Radewagen in putting forward this legislation. It is a very appropriate way to memorialize an important part of Eni's work on behalf of the people of American Samoa.

Un dangkulo na si Yu'os ma'ase (with deepest gratitude), Eni. You are deeply missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record an opinion piece written by our former colleague, the gentleman from American Samoa, Mr. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, who was the first Asian- Pacific American in U.S. history to serve as Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, which had broad jurisdiction for U.S. policy affecting the region, including Central Asia. Mr. Faleomavaega also founded the Congressional Caucus on Central Asia, and his work continues to influence the region today.

2016 marked the 25th anniversary of Uzbekistan's

independence from the Soviet Union. For some 15 years, it has

been my privilege to work closely with the government of

Uzbekistan in various capacities--as a Member of the U.S.

House of Representatives' Committee on Foreign Affairs; as

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, the

Pacific, and the Global Environment; as Ranking Member; and

as founder of the Congressional Caucus on Central Asia.

I am proud of Uzbekistan for the great progress it has made

on its march to democracy, and I especially commend

Uzbekistan on its recent presidential election as well as Mr.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his victory. In an act that

demonstrated Uzbekistan's commitment to a transparent

process, Uzbekistan invited about 300 international

observers, including a full-scale election observation team

from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

(OSCE), to monitor the election, which was held on December

4, 2016 upon the passing of the late President Islam Karimov

who served as Uzbekistan's president since independence.

While every government, including the United States, has room

for improvement, I am pleased that Uzbekistan's first

election upon the passing of President Karimov was carried

out peacefully and in accordance with Uzbekistan's

constitution.

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the

United States until now, Uzbekistan and the United States

have built a broad-based relationship. During U.S.-led

operations in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan provided the use of a

military base to serve as a hub for combat and humanitarian

missions and, later, permitted the U.S. to move equipment and

supplies through Uzbekistan to Afghanistan in support of U.S.

troops. In the past 25 years, our relationship has also grown

in other ways, including economically, politically, and

strategically.

In fact, Uzbekistan and the United States belong to a

number of the same international organizations including the

United Nations and the OSCE, as well as the International

Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Uzbekistan is an observer

to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and has attracted

investment from Caterpillar, Coca-Cola, Lockheed Martin,

Boeing, and so on.

From firsthand experience, I know Uzbekistan's

accomplishments have been fast-paced, and I have recognized

those accomplishments in the Congressional Record for

historical purposes. As Uzbekistan continues to excel, I am

reminded of these words from the late President Karimov who

said that the people of Uzbekistan are ``a creative people

who deeply realize their identity, take pride of the fact

that they live on sacred land and are the descendants of

great ancestors, capable to subdue any peaks.''

Uzbekistan is a land more than 2,500 years old. Its history

is rich and deep, spanning far beyond its brief encounter

with the Soviet Union. Its leaders--then and now--have sought

for security and stability at home and abroad. And so, I wish

President Mirziyoyev well as he assumes his duties. I have

every reason to believe he will succeed for and on behalf of

the people of Uzbekistan who have put their hope in him,

especially the youth and women, who showed up at the polls to

support his candidacy.

I thank my dear friends including Foreign Minister

Abdulaziz Kamilov who previously served as Uzbekistan's

Ambassador to the United States, and Senator Sodiq Safoyev

who once served as Foreign Minister as well as former

Ambassador to the United States and currently as Chairman of

the Foreign Political Affairs Committee of the Senate of the

Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. I commend them for

their hard work in developing stronger U.S.-Uzbekistan

relations, and for dedicating their lives in service to their

country.

I also commend Uzbekistan's Ambassador to the United

States, H.E. Bakhtiyar Gulyamov, and Uzbekistan's former

Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Ilhom Nematov, as well

as the many other leaders in Uzbekistan who have contributed

to building an independent nation.

I join with the people of Uzbekistan in celebrating 25

years of independence, and it is my sincere hope that

Uzbekistan, like all freedom-loving nations, will hold these

truths to be self-evident--``that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator with certain

unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and

the pursuit of Happiness.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record an opinion piece written by our former colleague, the gentleman from American Samoa, Mr. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, who was the first Asian- Pacific American in U.S. history to serve as Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, which had broad jurisdiction for U.S. policy affecting the region, including Central Asia. Mr. Faleomavaega also founded the Congressional Caucus on Central Asia, and his work continues to influence the region today.

In 1991, Kazakhstan gained its independence from the Soviet

Union. For some 15 years, I have been honored to work closely

with the government of Kazakhstan in various capacities--as a

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on

Foreign Affairs; as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs'

Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global

Environment; as Ranking Member; and as founder of the

Congressional Caucus on Central Asia.

I am proud of Kazakshtan for the great progress it has made

since independence, and I especially commend President

Nursultan Nazarbayev for his leadership on nuclear non-

proliferation. Upon inheriting the world's fourth largest

nuclear arsenal and the world's second largest test site from

the Soviet Union after its collapse, President Nazarbayev

voluntarily chose to dismantle and disarm with the help of

U.S. assistance.

His act was both heroic and principled. For this, I have

repeatedly called upon the Nobel Peace Prize Committee to

recognize the deeds of President Nazarbayev as well as former

Senators Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar, who co-authored the

Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program, which has

contributed to world peace, in untold ways.

While I have no illusions about whether or not we can bring

about a nuclear-weapons free world, I do have some thoughts

because, like Kazakhs, Pacific Islanders share a similar

history. From 1946 to 1958, the United States used the

Republic of the Marshall Islands--a Micronesian nation of

atolls and islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean--as its

Cold War nuclear testing ground, detonating 66 nuclear

weapons including the first hydrogen bomb, or Bravo shot,

which was 1,000 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on

Hiroshima. Acknowledged as the greatest nuclear explosion

ever detonated, the Bravo test vaporized 6 islands and

created a mushroom cloud 25 miles in diameter.

The U.S. nuclear testing program in the Marshall Islands

also set a precedent for France to use the islands of the

Pacific for its own testing program after getting kicked out

of Algeria where it conducted 17 nuclear tests from 1960-

1966. To this day, radioactive material is still seeping out

of the Sahara desert as a result of French nuclear testing.

Having been defeated in Algeria and emboldened by U.S.

nuclear testing in the Pacific, France detonated

approximately 218 nuclear devices in Moruroa and Fangataufa

atolls in French Polynesia. Consequently, these islands also

seep radioactive materials and are no longer inhabitable.

This is why I share President Nazarbayev's vision,

especially as Kazakhstan has just celebrated its 25 years of

independence. My position regarding this matter is no

different than the position the United States took during a

joint meeting between President Obama and President

Nazarbayev on April 11, 2010 when President Obama noted that

``the U.S. appreciates the leadership of President Nazrbayev

and the contribution of Kazakhstan to nuclear disarmament and

nonproliferation.''

My position is also no different than the stance taken by

former President George H.W. Bush, who welcomed President

Nazarbayev to the White House and his son, President George

W. Bush, who also welcomed President Nazarbayev to the White

House and declared our commitment ``to strengthen the long-

term, strategic partnership and cooperation between our

nations.''

I thank Kazakhstan for all it has done to re-shape the

world, post Cold-War, and I stand with President Nazarbayev

as he champions nuclear disarmament among possessor states

and prevents proliferation to new states.

In broader terms, I also commend Kazakhstan's Ambassador to

the United States, H.E. Kairat Umarov for all he has done to

strengthen the U.S.-Kazakhstan relationship. I have known him

for nearly 15 years and I know firsthand of his tireless

efforts to promote goodwill between Kazakhstan and the United

States. His great work for and on behalf of our nations is

deserving of inclusion in the Congressional Record for

historical purposes, as his contributions are unparalleled.

I also commend Mr. Roman Vassilenko who now serves as

Deputy Foreign Minister and previously served as Chairman for

the Committee for International Information of the Ministry

of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, and also as Counselor for

the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the United States. Like

Ambassador Umarov, I have known Deputy Foreign Minister

Vassilenko for nearly 15 years. I have watched his career

soar as he has put his talents to use for the Republic of

Kazakhstan. His impact in communicating Kazakhstan's policies

to its citizens and communicating its foreign policy to

international audiences and governments through digital

diplomacy has been nothing short of revolutionary.

I also note the work of Mr. Aibek Nurbalin who I also met

some 15 years ago when he worked as the Congressional Liaison

for the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the United States, and later

as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State for the

Republic of Kazakhstan. Mr. Nurbalin left no stone unturned

in promoting the cause of Kazakhstan and in making certain

that President Nazarbayev's policies and agenda were known

and supported, especially in the U.S. Congress.

I have known many diplomats during the course of my service

as a Member of Congress. Never have I known diplomats who

worked harder on behalf of the Republic of Kazakhstan than

Ambassador Umarov, Deputy Foreign Minister Vassilenko, former

Deputy Chief of Staff Aibek Nurbalin, Secretary of State

Kanat Saudabayev, and current Foreign Minister Erlan

Idrissov. It was often said that Roman and Aibek were the

left leg and the right leg of my dear friend, Kanat

Saudabayev, when he served as Kazakhtan's Ambassador to the

United States. If they were the legs, Ambassador Umarov was

his heart. And, current Foreign Minister Idrissov is to be

fully commended for taking the U.S.-Kazakh relationship to

the next level, and beyond. His service, like the service of

Ambassador Umarov and Secretary Saudabayev, is also

unmatched.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan's

independence, I would be remiss if I did not publicly honor

these outstanding diplomats for all they have done to help

build an independent nation worthy of its place in the world

community. I also cannot let this historic occasion pass by

without once more commending President Nazarbayev for leading

the way for a nuclear free world. As a Pacific Islander, it

is my sincere hope that the world will follow his lead as we

work together for this cause, which is good.

Mr. Speaker, today I reintroduce legislation to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens the economic and social infrastructure of fishing communities and industry. Moreover, IUU fishing is a matter of national security for the United States and our allies across the globe, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

The United States has become a world leader in sustainable management of marine fisheries, in great part due to the Magnuson-Stevens Act. In other parts of the world, however, poor fisheries management is more common, and stocks are overharvested--the direct result of IUU fishing.

IUU fishing is not only a matter of economic security and food sustainability. It is also a matter of national and regional security for the U.S. and our allies. IUU fishing is closely associated with various trafficking activities that are highly likely to operate from the same foreign vessels that engage in IUU fishing activities. IUU fishing has become a significant issue that has caused conflicts between countries and threatens regional stability such as that in the Asia-Pacific region.

Countries like Australia, Palau and now even Papua New Guinea have led the way in combating IUU fishing, and we must take immediate and forceful action as well. The bipartisan bill I am introducing today, the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015, along with my colleague from Alaska, Mr. Young, would provide the Coast Guard and NOAA with much-needed tools to fight illegal fishing. It would also implement the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate IUU fishing, a treaty ratified by the Senate last year that would set international standards for denying port entry and services to vessels that have engaged in illegal fishing.

This bill is the product of extensive negotiations between Democratic and Republican staff in the last Congress, and is supported by a broad coalition that includes the U.S. State Department, fishing industry interests, and conservation groups. The bill I introduce today is identical to language that passed the House Committee on Natural Resources by unanimous consent on September 18, 2014. I thank Mr. Young and his staff for working with us on this legislation, and I look forward to bill becoming law and enhancing our ability to address the harmful effects of IUU fishing.

Mr. Speaker, one of the seminal events in 20th century was the demise of the Soviet Union, which altered the balance of power in the world, most profoundly in Europe and Central Asia. But the event that sparked the tinderbox of democratic uprisings through the sphere of Soviet satellites began in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijanis remember the night that democratic fire was sparked; it was January 20, 1990. The Azeris called it ``Black January.'' At midnight on that fateful night, 26,000 armed Russian troops stormed into Baku with tanks.

The weeks and months prior to Black January had seen a surge in the national independence movement. Hundreds of thousands of Azeris pushed then USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev's glasnost policy by publicly marching for independence and territorial integrity.

Some of the emerging democratic groups were projected to win seats in the upcoming Parliamentary elections. Since only Communists could hold government office in a Soviet satellite, Gorbachev moved quickly to put down the independence movement.

Gorbachev declared a state of emergency to repress a growing independence movement. The Soviet heavyhandedness served only to elevate Azeri resolve and passion. Soviet troops, under orders to ``restore order,'' tried dispersing the throngs of peaceful Azeri demonstrators by firing arbitrarily into the crowds on the Baku streets, killing women and children who were among the protesters calling for independence from the Soviet Union.

Over 130 Azeris were killed in the violence of Black January; 611 were injured, nearly 1,000 were arrested, and five were never found.

Human Rights Watch's report ``Black January in Azerbaijan,'' said that, ``among the most heinous violations of human rights during the Baku incursion were the numerous attacks on medical personnel, ambulances and even hospitals.'' Human Rights Watch concluded, ``The punishment inflicted on Baku by Soviet soldiers may have been intended as a warning to nationalists, not only in Azerbaijan, but in other Republics of the Soviet Union.''

The standoff between nationalists in Azerbaijan and the Soviet leaders in Moscow escalated into an Azeri threat to hold a referendum on secession unless Soviet troops withdrew in 48 hours. Soviet troops were hampered when Azerbaijani oil tankers blockaded the Baku harbor, keeping Soviet naval vessels at bay.

Soviet forces withdrew, but formal independence would come nearly two years later.

On this day, Azeri patriots stood up for their freedom, sealing the fate of the Soviet empire and forever changing the history of the world.

I ask my colleagues to join me in standing with the people of Azerbaijan today in solitude and gratitude for their passion for independence and remembrance of the lives lost on Black January.