Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Ms. BORDALLO asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 409 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange 160 acres of Federal land in the Sierra National Forest at Shaver Lake for an 80-acre inholding also in the Sierra National Forest.

H.R. 409, Mr. Speaker, further requires that the owners of the nonFederal land make a $50,000 cash equalization payment and convey the Federal land to the Sequoia Council of the Boy Scouts of America within 4 months of receiving it.

Mr. Speaker, we have no objections to H.R. 409.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Ms. BORDALLO asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, the majority has already explained the

purpose of H.R. 394, which was introduced by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan). Barrett's Farm is a significant historical resource, as evidenced by its previous designation on the National Register of Historic Places.

The British marched out of Boston in April of 1775 looking for munitions stored by colonists at Barrett's Farm. They found neither the munitions nor the farmer's owner, James Barrett, leader of the Middlesex militia, who was to soon meet the British at North Bridge where, as Emerson wrote, ``The embattled farmers stood and fired the shot heard around the world.''

The gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan) is to be commended for his leadership on H.R. 394. Many individuals and organizations recognize the historical importance of Barrett's Farm and support this legislation. It is our hope that this study authorized by H.R. 394 will determine the most appropriate means to preserve and interpret this important aspect of our Nation's history.

Mr. Speaker, with that, we support H.R. 394 as a means to help preserve the history of Barrett's Farm and its role in the start of the American revolution, and urge adoption of the legislation by the House today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan).

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Ms. BORDALLO asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, the purpose of S. 1340 is to extend for 10 years the authorization to use surplus funds in the Pittman-Robertson wildlife restoration account to support wetlands restoration projects, coordinated under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

The accrued interest generated by funds deposited in the Pittman- Robertson account since 1989 has provided over $235 million to fund North American wetlands conservation projects across the country.

This extension will ensure the continuation of this valuable conservation funding source, and will be important to our future efforts to restore protected wetland habitats in the region devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

I urge Members to support this worthy legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, as the waters recede in New Orleans and as the families impacted by Hurricane Katrina attempt to recover, we must now embark upon the monumental task of helping to rebuild both the infrastructure and vitality of the Gulf Coast communities. We also have begun to reflect on the tragedy, one which many say is one of the worst disasters to strike an American city in our history. The people of Guam would like to express their condolences to the families that have lost loved ones, and to the thousands of people who are now struggling to recover from what can only be described as a humanitarian catastrophe.

Families and individuals have been uprooted, homes have been destroyed, and the process of rebuilding will be long and arduous. The communities involved depend upon support from Congress, and we must fully fund every stage of the recovery that is necessary to rebuild homes and lives.

We must also ensure that our cities and coastlines are protected as best as possible from perilous storms. The people of Guam know far too well the toll that hurricanes can have upon a population. Located in what is known as ``Typhoon Alley'' in the Pacific Ocean, our island is annually threatened and sometimes pummeled by typhoons that can have winds upwards of 180 miles per hour. These Super Typhoons have the potential for widespread devastation, but Guam is well prepared to withstand these potentially destructive storms. From tough building codes to a stratified warning system, Guam is in a state of constant readiness. In fact, at the time Hurricane Katrina was intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, Guam was in a state of readiness as Typhoon Nabi was forecast to make a direct hit. In our case, the storm turned away, but nonetheless Guam was bracing for the worst.

There is more our island needs to do to be better prepared for Typhoons, such as burying our power lines and improving our water system. We continue to perfect our disaster preparedness plan and harden our infrastructure. Our community, as well as all communities across the Nation, are now more dependent than ever on the support of the Federal Government to help us prepare for and recover from devastating storms. It is imperative that at-risk areas be better equipped and prepared, from the Federal level to the local level, to deal with hurricanes and other natural disasters.

I support House Resolution 425 and urge its passage. Together, let us as a Congress, express the Nation's sorrow for the victims of this tragedy.

Mr. Speaker, World War II marked a great pivot point for our Nation and the world. The Allies' great victory against the forces of oppression endures today as a testament to the determination and will of freedom's progress over oppression. The end of the war in the Pacific was a triumph for liberty in the world, and though many lives were lost, the memories of their valiant sacrifice will never be forgotten.

As we mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the war in the Pacific, we must also remember the sacrifices and hardships faced by the only Americans to be occupied during the war, the Chamorro people of Guam.

For the island of Guam, the war in the Pacific was a dark time indeed. Thirty-two months of oppressive occupation caused hardship and suffering, necessitating sacrifice and perseverance by the Chamorro people. Today we honor those whose lives were lost during this period. Though the scars of the occupation remain today, the liberation of the island is remembered as a seminal moment in the history of the Chamorro people.

The brave men of the 3rd Marine Division, the 77th Army Infantry Division, and the 6th Marine Provisional Brigade on July 21, 1944, fought tirelessly to liberate the Chamorro people and end the occupation. The people of Guam would like to acknowledge the enduring memory of these men who risked their lives on our behalf. Those who perished in this noble effort are today memorialized in solemn remembrance and will be for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 378, and to acknowledge the positive impact and historical importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Signed into law 15 years ago today by President George Herbert Walker Bush, this Act has become recognized as a landmark law for civil rights and represents one of the crowning achievements of Congress over the past two decades. Its impact is felt every day in every community across America. Wheelchair ramps, signs in Braille, and curb cuts are now common place in every comer of our lives. The law has truly forever changed the landscape of America.

Over these 15 years, the law has been challenged and debated, yet it has endured as a testament to those who desire to create an inclusive society where living with a disability does not mean disappearing into isolation. The law embodies everything that we in America should strive for; protecting the rights of all men and all women regardless of ability, mental capacity, or physicality. By removing barriers for peoples with disability, we also removed another barrier that prevented America from being a society where justice and equality prevail.

I remain committed to the Americans with Disabilities Act and supportive of efforts to improve our infrastructure and policies to enable equal access for all people. In Guam, our community has made great strides in upholding the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and we will be celebrating its anniversary this week.

Our work in this area is not yet done, and we will strive to build upon the legacy that the Americans with Disabilities Act has created. I urge support for H. Res. 378.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to speak very briefly on H.R. 3204.

The cost of providing health care in the territories is relatively high, and corresponding insurance rates are high due to the number of factors, including high levels of chronic disease in small populations over which to spread risk.

H.R. 3204 authorizes Federal seed funding and additional grants to the 50 States and the District of Columbia for the purposes of initiating and operating high-risk pools, but, Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, it fails to include the U.S. territories. I want to thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen), who was here speaking on my behalf earlier. I also want to thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown).

I respectfully request the gentleman's assistance and the attention of our colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) in working to add the territories as eligible recipients of this funding as this bill moves through the rest of the legislative process and in any conference with the Senate on this reauthorization.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3200 because of the importance of making permanent the provisions included in P.L. 109-13, the War Supplemental, related to the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Program.

SGLI is an important benefit offered to America's servicemembers particularly during this time of war. Prior to passage of P.L. 109-13, SGLI provided inadequate life insurance coverage to American servicemen and women. This inadequacy became intolerable when juxtaposed with the sacrifices of servicemembers in the War on Terror. With the former maximum coverage level set at $250,000, a servicemember could not ensure that his or her family would have sufficient resources to endure a catastrophic loss. In the 2005 War Supplemental, Congress increased coverage to $400,000, and, importantly, applied the provision retroactively in order to provide relief to the many families that had already lost a loved one in combat. However, the provisions included in the supplemental will expire in September 2005. H.R. 3200 is important because it makes permanent the supplemental's provisions on SGLI including increasing life insurance coverage to $400,000.

America asks her sons and daughters in the Armed Services to make extreme sacrifices to protect our liberties, our freedom and our way of life. Tragically, in the prosecution of the War on Terror many of our Soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice. We have an obligation to those fallen heroes to protect the families they left behind. By providing for SGLI coverage that reflects the degree of our Soldiers' sacrifices and the needs of families when faced with the loss of a breadwinner, we are moving a step closer to fully and properly caring for America's heroes. This is not an option, but an obligation.

I am pleased that the over one hundred thousand troops now deployed into combat zones in support of the War on Terror can rest easier knowing they will permanently have access to affordable and sufficient life insurance. While they protect all of us from duty stations overseas, today we are helping protect them here at home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the gentleman from Wisconsin's (Mr. Obey's) Motion to Instruct Conferees on Veterans Health Care on H.R. 2361, the Interior Appropriations Bill. Our servicemen and women are making daily sacrifices for our Nation in far off lands. Many will return home scarred by combat wounds, many others scarred by the face of war. Having completed their service to our Nation overseas, these servicemen and women have earned more then a debt of gratitude from their Nation but a debt of care. In order to do this, we must properly fund the organization dedicated to their care, the Veterans Administration.

I am pleased that the gentleman from Wisconsin, Mr. Obey, has offered a motion to highlight the inadequacy of the House passed appropriations measures for our Veterans. This motion instructs conferees to accept the Senate position on Veterans' medical care by adding a desperately needed $1.5 billion to the Veterans Administration budget.

Guam recently welcomed home a company of the Guam Army National Guard following the unit's combat tour in Djibouti, Africa. Many other sons and daughters of Guam have served on active duty in units across the Armed Services. I have an obligation to do everything possible for these heroes in ensuring that Congress has made a commitment to their care equivalent to the commitment they made to the care of our Nation.

It is time for the rhetoric of supporting our Soldiers and our Veterans to be met by our actions. I urge my colleagues to support the motion to instruct.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program, which has provided vocational training and employment opportunities to the blind and disabled since 1971. The JWOD Program, which brings together the Federal Government and approximately 600 non-profit organizations supporting the blind and disabled, is a model public-private partnerships for advancing the collective values of our nation.

The unemployment rate among the blind and disabled in our country is estimated at approximately 70 percent. It is troubling that we as a society have not created a system that successfully makes the American Dream a real possibility for all Americans, and particularly for those who are blind or disabled. In my many years of public service, I have become acquainted with numerous individuals with disability. I have always been impressed with their vigor and spirit and their willingness to take on any task in order to contribute positively to our community and our society. These Americans do not come asking for a handout, but rather ask that we as public officials provide them with the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency, personal fulfillment, and full inclusion in the benefits of our society.

The JWOD Program stands as one of the most successful programs in addressing economic and social equality for blind and disabled members of our communities. The non-profits participating in JWOD have provided training and job opportunities to 42,000 individuals who are blind or disabled. The Federal Government supports these organizations through the Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled, which directs all Federal agencies to purchase certain products and services only from JWOD-affiliated organizations that train and employ blind and disabled. The net result is that the Federal Government uses its purchasing power to ensure a steady revenue stream to JWOD-affiliated organizations while at the same time acquiring products and supplies at a fair market price.

It is also important to recognize the important role played by the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and National Institute for the Severely Handicapped (NISH)-Creating Employment for People with Severe Disabilities. These non-profit organizations provide advice to the Federal Government as to which products or services it should include in its JWOD Procurement List, while at the same time providing technical, logistical, and marketing assistance to the 600 JWOD- affiliated organizations. These organizations also play an important role in advocating on behalf of the employment of blind and disabled individuals in traditional businesses and organizations. Needless to say, the success of JWOD would not be possible if not for the NIB and NISH-Creating Employment for People with Severe Disabilities.

As we Americans strive to form a more compassionate society and a more compassionate world, it is important that we recognize the tremendous success of the JWOD Program and the dedication of those individuals and organizations who have made this program a success. I urge my colleagues to reaffirm their support for JWOD, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on legislation in support of this important program.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank my good friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for yielding me the time and giving me the opportunity to speak on the floor today on this issue.

December 7, 1941 would come to mark a historical pivot point for both America and the world. Two days later, the Chamorros people of Guam would also begin a dark and somber time. Over the next 31 months, residents were turned into refugees. Men, women, and children were massacred, an entire island enslaved.

An estimated 700 Chamorro people perished over these years of occupation. On July 21, 1944, American troops once again touched the shores of Guam, ending the oppressive occupation.

Liberation meant a restoration of faith and future to the Chamorros as they sought to reconstruct their island and their lives. The scars of battle still resonate, yet the lingering message of history will never fade 61 years later.

I stand to honor those who fought to liberate our people and to honor the resiliency displayed by the Chamorro people in such formidable times. Just yesterday we went to Arlington to lay a wreath to honor those who perished. And tonight in the Cannon Caucus Room we invite the entire membership of the U.S. Congress and their staff and friends to come and join us in a liberation celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Rosalind M. Won- Pat Fleet for 26 years of dedication and commitment to the security of this Nation through her career with the U.S. Department of Defense. I want to express my personal thanks to Rose as her family and friends gather to honor her accomplishments on the occasion of her retirement.

Born on Guam to the late Congressman Antonio Borja and Ana Perez Won- Pat, Rose currently resides in Haymarket, Virginia. She is married to William Don Fleet and is the proud mother of three children, Natalie, William, Jr., and Michael.

After graduating from George Washington High School in Mangilao, Guam, Rose attended the University of Maryland at College Park where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and was a member of Theta Sigma Phi, the National Professional Society for Women in Journalism and Communications. She continued her postgraduate studies in Communications and Public Administration.

Following in her family's tradition of public service, Rose began her career in 1984 as a Budget Assistant with the Commander of Naval Forces Japan (COMNAVFORJAPAN) in Yokosuka, Japan. Within 3 years, she became Budget Chief at the Office of the Director of Naval Intelligence (DNI) at the Pentagon. She continued her rise within the Department of Defense, serving as the Financial Resource Manager with the Defense Intelligence Agency

(DIA), a Program/Budget Analyst at the Pentagon, and now, as a Senior Congressional Analyst with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.

Her outstanding performance throughout her career has not gone unrecognized. She has received many awards, including the award for Sustained Superior Performance and the Quality Step Increase.

Although Rose has spent most of her career away from Guam, she has never forgotten her roots, promoting and preserving the Chamorro culture through her active involvement as an Executive Board Member with the Guam Society of America, Inc. here in the greater Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area. In addition, she has served as an Alternate Delegate for Guam to the National Conference of State Societies.

I want to thank Rose for her many years of dedicated service in the day-to-day operations of our Federal Government. Your contributions are appreciated by your colleagues and fellow citizens. Dangkulo Na Si Yu'os Ma'ase.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the late General Louis H. Wilson, a World War II veteran, a recipient of the Medal of Honor, and 26th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. General Wilson was also a recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for ``exceptionally distinguished service'' during his four-year tenure as Commandant and his contributions as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He leaves his wife, the former Jane Clark of Pearson, Mississippi and one daughter, Janet. Our country lost a strong leader, courageous Marine, and dedicated patriot upon the passing of General Wilson.

Born February 11, 1920, in Brandon, Mississippi, General Wilson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi. In May 1941, he embarked upon his path of commendable service in the Marine Corps Reserve, as he enlisted and was commissioned a second lieutenant. As a young Marine, Wilson participated in the ferocious battle to liberate Guam. His actions during fierce combat on Guam, which was heavily occupied by the enemy for 32 months, earned him the Medal of Honor, the Nation's highest award for heroism and leadership. Wilson was promoted to the rank of Captain while serving overseas with the 9th Marines in 1943. His tour in the Pacific Theater took him to Guadalcanal, Efate, and Bougainville. In December 1944, he was transferred to Washington, D.C., where he served as Detachment Commander at the Marine Barracks and was presented the Medal of Honor by President Truman.

The Medal of Honor was but the first accolade bestowed upon General Wilson during his service in the Marine Corps. In March 1970, Wilson was promoted to Major General. General Wilson was also awarded two additional Legion of Merit medals and the Korean Order of National Security Merit, GUK-SEON Medal, 2d Class and the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Commander) for his service in those countries. On July 1, 1975, General Wilson received his final promotion to General when he assumed the office of Commandant of the Marine Corps.

As Commandant, General Wilson advocated modernization of the post- Vietnam Marine Corps for the protection of his corps. His indomitable leadership and relentless dedication enhances the highest traditions of our country. I join the millions of Marines and their families in mourning the passing of this honorable man. General Wilson will always have a special place in the hearts of the people of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Title IX program which created equality, equality for young men and women in our Nation's schools.

As Title IX celebrates its 33rd anniversary today, I am concerned with recent attempts to undermine the program that will reverse the progress Title IX has made in enabling young women to participate in sports.

The Department of Education recently issued its ``Additional Clarification of Intercollegiate Athletics Policy: Three-Part Test, Part Three'' which changes the way schools determine female interest in athletics by making an e-mail survey the sole interest indicator.

This new policy harms the Title IX program because it prevents schools from using a multi-method approach to assess female sports programs. By deciding to base the future of women's athletic programs on e-mail surveys, the Department of Education is denying women the same opportunities as men to participate in sports.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to continue to support equal rights for men and women in every arena of public life, including sports. I strongly urge the Department of Education to rescind its policy. Title IX opened the doors for women; let us not close them now.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Obey-Lowey-Leach amendment to H.R. 3010. This amendment would restore $100 million that was cut from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in subcommittee earlier this month. Public broadcasting is important for small communities across the country, even all the way out in the U.S. Territory of Guam. Small public broadcasting stations like KGTF Channel 12 in Guam are an important avenue for expression of local identity and community discussion.

I am particularly concerned that the proposed cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) may disproportionately affect the CPB's commitment to quality programming for minority communities through the National Minority Consortia. For example, Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC), which primarily receives its funding from CPB, develops Pacific Island media content and talent that leads to a deeper understanding of Pacific Island history, culture, and contemporary issues. Without continued funding from CPB, PIC would be unable to produce meaningful programs like Dances of Life or The Meaning of Food that have given indigenous communities in the Pacific a voice in our national conversation on race and culture. This August, PIC will be conducting a filmmaking workshop in Guam to build a greater capacity for cultural expression in the video medium.

As KGTF celebrates its 35th year broadcasting in Guam, I hope to be able to tell them that the future looks bright for public broadcasting and that Congress is appreciative and supportive of their excellent work. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment and restore funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.