Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a provision of H. Res. 22 that states that small businesses have a right to be free from unnecessary regulation and paperwork. Small business is important to me, Mr. Speaker, since 95 percent of the businesses in Guam are small businesses. My concern is the practical aspect of including this language in a bill that is meant to serve essentially as a statement of legislative goals for the 109th Congress.

The Regulatory Flexibility Act is routinely ignored by Federal agencies who are supposed to review regulations every 10 years. The Office of Advocacy and the Office of Information and Regulatory Policy are the offices assigned to review proposed regulations.

The point is that sufficient authority exists to protect small businesses against unnecessary regulatory burdens but, unfortunately, Mr. Speaker,

these laws are not being carried out to the intended level by the executive branch. I agree with the regulatory provision of H Res. 22. However, this issue should remain where it belongs: in the committee's oversight plan.

Mr. Speaker I, therefore, support House Resolution 22.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to address a provision of H. Res. 22 that states that small businesses have a right to be free from unnecessary regulation and paperwork. My purpose is not to judge the merits of this provision in the rhetorical sense, as I too agree that we need to do more to relieve the regulatory and paperwork burden on small businesses. My concern is the practical aspect of including this language in a bill that is meant to serve essentially as a statement of legislative goals for the 109th Congress, particularly a bill such as H. Res. 22 that has unfortunately poisoned some of the bipartisan spirit that I believe made the Small Business Committee so strong and effective in past Congresses.

Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires federal agencies to review regulations every ten years in order to strike or revise those provisions which are obsolete or for which a more modern perspective would lead to a better rule. This Act is routinely ignored by federal agencies. The Office of Advocacy and the Office of Information and Regulatory Policy are the offices assigned to review proposed regulations for their impact on small businesses and to ensure that agencies comply with the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the paperwork Reduction Act. Both offices have been provided fewer resources than in previous years, with the administration now proposing to eliminate the line item for advocacy's research budget.

The point is that sufficient authority exists to protect small businesses against unnecessary regulatory burdens, but unfortunately these laws are not being carried out to the intended level by the executive branch. I agree with the regulatory provision of H. Res. 22 in substance, however, this issue should remain where it belongs: in the committee's oversight plan. As the ranking member of the Regulatory Reform and Oversight Subcommittee, I am very much looking forward to conducting oversight hearings on the challenges facing the Federal agencies in complying with existing mandates. The chairman of my subcommittee is a good man, with whom I know there exists much common ground for which we can work on a bipartisan basis.

Last year, we worked on a bipartisan basis to advance an SBA reauthorization that had many important provisions. We worked together on a number of other items such as small business health care and restoring funding for the 7(a) Loan Program that we felt were of mutual interest to small businesses despite objections from other members of our own parties. Unfortunately many of the bipartisan points were scuttled, including a very important provision for my district, and many of the issues for which there is not as strong a consensus are now being advanced. I don't question the commitment to small businesses of those supporting or not supporting H. Res. 22. I do however question whether or not this strategy is conducive to what we really need to be doing as a committee and as a Congress in advancing the interests of our small business community, particularly those issues on which we all agree.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that would resolve an issue of tax compliance between the United States Department of the Treasury and the governments of Guam and the United States Virgin Islands. This legislation addresses concerns regarding the coordination of the payment of the Earned Income Credit, EIC, and

Child Tax Credit, CTC, to qualifying taxpayers within these jurisdictions.

The tax codes of Guam and the Virgin Islands mirror that of the Internal Revenue Code, IRC, and taxpayers in these jurisdictions file their annual returns with their respective local departments of revenue and taxation in lieu of filing with the Internal Revenue Service. The revenue and taxation departments of Guam and the Virgin Islands must incorporate all provisions of the IRC related to individual and business taxes for their respective taxpayers, including provisions authorizing tax credits such as the EIC and the CTC. Revenues are retained by local treasuries, which they may use to cover the costs of operating local government agencies and providing for public services.

The coordination of the EIC and CTC is problematic because it requires the treasuries of Guam and the Virgin Islands to pay ``refundable'' portions of these credits, or those amounts that exceed an individual taxpayer's total tax liability. While I support the EIC and CTC and believe that low-income taxpayers in my district should be able to receive this form of tax relief, requiring the treasuries of Guam and the Virgin Islands to cover all ``refundable'' portions of these credits constitutes an unfunded federal mandate. In theory, the amount of such credit that exceeds an individual taxpayers total tax liability is meant to offset the impact of FICA taxes on low-income individuals. While residents of Guam and Virgin Islands pay their FICA taxes to the U.S. Treasury, the territorial treasuries are tasked with covering the cost of the ``refundable'' portion of this credit out of local revenues. Our cashstrapped treasuries are simply incapable of covering the amount of claimed credit, which constitutes between 6 to 8 percent of all tax revenues in Guam.

Congresswoman Christensen and I have been working on a fair resolution to this matter over the past 2 years. We have worked with the Department of the Treasury and the chairmen and ranking members of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees. The legislation I am introducing today is similar to a bill I introduced last year, H.R. 2186, but with several revisions aimed at facilitating implementation. This legislation proposes a fair federal-territorial cost sharing arrangement which will allow low income citizens in the territories who pay FICA taxes to realize the same tax benefits as their counterparts in the 50 States and the District of Columbia without bankrupting the local treasuries of Guam and the Virgin Islands.

I look forward to working with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Thomas and Ranking Member Rangel on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today I join with fellow Catholics around the world in mourning the death of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The world has seen the passing of a great man dedicated to peace throughout the world. His actions reflected his preaching of love, healing and forgiveness, advocating for peace and reaching out to other faith traditions. Despite turmoil and controversy, he held fast to his beliefs, gaining the respect of many around the world, even those who did not agree with him. His teachings will be remembered by millions and his influence will guide world leaders for years to come.

Throughout his ministry, he remained firm in his beliefs, leading by word and deed, fearless in his efforts to spread the Gospel of Christ. He believed in the inalienable right and dignity of the human person from conception through the moment of death. He was unafraid to shape world events, speaking passionately for peace and advocating for human rights. From his early years during the Nazi occupation of Poland where he risked his life to protect Polish Jews from persecution to his forgiveness of his would-be assassin, he has led by example, in faith and humility.

His steadfast support of the Solidarity movement in his homeland of Poland provided hope and encouragement to the Polish people and led to peaceful government reforms that precipitated the collapse of communism in Poland and the eventual fall of the Soviet Union, bringing freedom to millions of people. As these events were unfolding, Pope John Paul II was also reaching out to other parts of the world, using his influence to bring about change.

Through his efforts, he helped reduce tensions between world leaders, advocating for peace and justice. He sought to heal divisions across the different faith traditions, promoting reconciliation and dialogue between members to further understanding and respect for all people.

Pope John Paul II traveled all over the world. For millions, his visits would be the only opportunity to see a pope in person. Despite his afflictions of arthritis and Parkinson's disease, the Holy Father continued to travel the world, bringing hope and encouragement to the millions still oppressed by tyranny, hunger, disease and despair.

Pope John Paul II was especially dear to the people of Guam. He was the only Pope to visit Guam and he mesmerized our people with his dignity, kindness and sincerity. From his first words upon his arrival, spoken in the native Chamorro language, and throughout his short visit, his presence brought a spiritual renewal to the island's Catholics, many of whom camped overnight in streets and parking lots near the plaza where he was to say Mass. On February 23, 1981, tens of thousands of people gathered at the Plaza de Espana in Agana, Guam, to attend the service and receive his blessing. The crowd was captivated by this gentle man who spoke passionately of his love for God and his love for humanity, praising the dedication of Catholics in Guam and Micronesia for their faithfulness while reminding them that their faith should be practiced in all that they do. He then took time to comfort the elderly and the sick in our hospital who were unable to attend his Mass, blessing and encouraging them with his words, ``You are the strongest among all of us, who build the church through your suffering.''

It was an awesome sight to see children with their parents and grandparents, religious and government leaders, gathered to welcome the Holy Father, to celebrate Mass and to bid him farewell as he departed our island.

His visit marked a turning point for Catholics in Micronesia. In 1984, three years after his visit, the Pontiff honored our island and the Chamorro people with the elevation of the Diocese of Agana to a Metropolitan Archdiocese, naming the late Bishop Felixberto C. Flores, the first Chamorro Bishop, the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana and appointing another Chamorro, Father Anthony S. Apuron as Auxiliary Bishop. A year later, he approved the creation of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and appointed Monsignor Tomas A. Camacho, a Chamorro and a native of Saipan, as its first Bishop.

Also in 1984, the Holy Father announced the beatification of Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, the Jesuit priest who brought Christianity to Guam and was later martyred for baptizing the child of a Chamorro chief. Over two hundred people from Guam went on the pilgrimage to Rome to attend the beatification ceremony.

Although he would not return to the island before his passing, his visit will never be forgotten. From the street named in his honor, Chalan Santo Papa Juan Pablo Dos, to the bronze statue erected to commemorate his visit, the people of Guam will always remember this man of faith and vision who taught us ``not to be content to boast of a glorious heritage from the past without turning to the demands of the present moment.'' Rather, we must put our faith into practice each and every day, seeking more effective ways to proclaim the message of love to all those we meet.

Pope John Paul II was beloved by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Through the many challenges confronting the Catholic faith and the world, Pope John Paul II as the Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pastor of the Catholic Church was the rock of the Church and the conscience of the world. At his passing, we mourn the loss of a great person. For Catholics, we take comfort in the knowledge that he is at peace with God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in heaven. On behalf of the people of Guam, ``Adios Santo Papa yan in guiya hao.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and commend Mr. George K. Lai on being named 2005 Guam Small Businessperson of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration. George Lai's hard work and perserverance embody the spirit of the American Dream, and the SBA could not have selected a more worthy recipient.

Like many of this Nation's great entrepreneurs, George came to the United States as an immigrant. Having grown up in Hong Kong with very little formal education in the English language, he worked hard to take advantage of opportunities for formal secondary education in Guam. After graduating from Guam's John F. Kennedy High School with honors, George gained admission to Texas Agriculture and Mining University, where he earned a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering in 1982. After several years of working for Dower Schlumberger, a Houston-based oil service company, he and his wife, Deborah Larsen Lai, moved back to Guam and established Quality Distributors in 1986. Quality Distributors has since become the largest food wholesaler on the island.

George has provided sound leadership for Quality Distributors, which led to its awarding as ``New Contractor of the Year'' by the Defense Logistics Agency in 2002. Quality Distributors was subsequently awarded ``Prime Vendor of the Year'' by the Defense Supplies Center of Philadelphia in 2003 in recognition of its outstanding performance in the Pacific Region. Under George's leadership, Quality Distributors has continued to provide efficient wholesale services to local retailers and value to Federal procurement officers. Because of this sound business leadership, Quality Distributors helps foster local economic growth and new jobs.

In addition to providing business leadership, George is an active participant in local trade organizations that work to enhance the overall competitiveness of firms located in Guam. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association and for the Guam Environmental Protection Agency; as Vice President of the Chinese Merchant Association; and has maintained an active role in the Guam Chamber of Commerce and Guam Visitors Bureau. He has also supported the Guam community by serving as Treasurer and Director of Finance for the Guam Football and Soccer Association and as Chairman of the Women's National Soccer Team. George has also been generous in providing corporate sponsorships for important programs supporting public education, youth sports, and disaster relief in the Pacific Region.

George is a business leader, an inspiration for us all, and an individual deeply committed to utilizing his talents for the benefit of the entire Guam community. I congratulate George for being selected as the 2005 Guam Small Businessperson of the Year. Our island celebrates his national recognition with his wife Deborah and daughters Samantha and Breanna. George, we are all proud of you and we wish you continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 119, recognizing the many contributions of the United States Marine Corps and other U.S. Armed Forces on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) for introducing this important resolution.

Iwo Jima stands out as one of the defining moments in the Battle of the Pacific and is one of the defining moments in the history of the United States Marine Corps. The Marines fought in World War II for over 3\1/2\ years, yet in the span of just 1 month in Iwo Jima, they suffered nearly one-third of their total deaths. This heroic sacrifice ensured the freedom and liberty that we enjoy today.

The people of Guam have a special understanding of the kind of valor and heroism demonstrated by the U.S. Marine Corps during the Battle of the Pacific in World War II, for it was the Marines who led the charge in the liberation of our own island from the Japanese occupation. The Marines, fighting in defense of freedom, brought hope to the Chamorro people of Guam in a time of great oppression and fear. Last year I joined nearly 50 Marines who took part in the liberation of Guam in laying a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery to honor their great sacrifice and courage on behalf of our grateful people.

I will be joining the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) on a trip to Iwo Jima to pay tribute to the U.S. Marines for this, the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) is not able to make it to the floor to speak on this resolution as he is currently in a veterans hearing in the Senate, but I do know that he, too, is very supportive, and will include his statement for the Record.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that would provide greater access to an important tool for the development and growth of small businesses in Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). My legislation would expand the areas currently designated by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) to cover the insular areas in their entirety. Not only would this legislation provide an important tool for small business growth in these economically disadvantaged areas, it would correct issues of implementation related to the current one-size-fits all criteria for designating HUBZones. This criteria disadvantages small businesses in the insular areas.

Currently, only those zones in the insular areas designated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as ``qualified census tracts,'' are recognized by the SBA as HUBZones. Many additional zones in the insular areas would also be designated HUBZones under the program's ``qualified `non-metropolitan county''' criteria, as is the case in the 50 States, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, if not for technical issues of implementation. A principal factor of eligibility under the ``qualified 'nonmetropolitan county''' criteria is a high level of unemployment in a given county. The insular areas do not subdivide into counties, nor does the Bureau of Labor Statistics collect Local Area Unemployment Statistics for Guam. Therefore, firms located in a number of financially distressed areas in these jurisdictions are deprived of the opportunity to participate in the HUBZone program, as no alternative formula is used for the ``qualified `non-metropolitan county' '' criteria in the insular areas.

The purpose of this legislation is to support economic self- sufficiency in Guam and the insular areas by helping small businesses located in these jurisdictions to effectively compete for federal contract work. Over the past several years, the SBA's HUBZone program has been one of the most successful vehicles for directing federal contracts and subcontracting dollars to locally-owned small businesses. I am confident that the expertise exists among small businesses in the insular areas to successfully meet federal contracting needs, particularly for local projects. Universal HUBZone designation throughout the insular areas would provide incentives for federal agencies to utilize local firms. Considering the relative geographic isolation and unique economic challenges encountered in these areas, and the problems associated with implementing all provisions of the law in the insular areas, it makes sense to designate the entirety of these jurisdictions as HUBZones.

I look forward to working with Mr. Manzullo and Ms. Velazquez on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues and our Nation in honoring the life and legacy of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and to express our condolences to his family and the people of Lebanon.

A true patriot and dedicated public servant, Prime Minister Hariri devoted his life to his country and his people, working to rebuild Lebanon after its civil war and contributing millions to programs to improve the lives of the Lebanese people.

He was well-respected by the international community for his efforts to build a free and independent Lebanon as evidenced by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 affirming the right of the people of Lebanon to choose their leaders free from intimidation, terror and foreign occupation. Sadly he will not see his hope realized.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims of the February 14th attack.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer 2nd Class Angela San Nicolas Quihuiz, a distinguished Chamorro sailor recently selected as the Military Sealift Command, MSCPAC, Shore Sailor of the Year. Throughout her career, Angela's commitment to excellence, professionalism, and exemplary performance has been consistently recognized by her superiors.

Angela is the daughter of Annie Toves San Nicolas, formerly of Agana Heights, and Michael Gonzalez Quihuiz, formerly of Phoenix, AZ. Though she and her daughter Kambrea A. Quihuiz currently reside in Chula Vista, CA, Angela still deeply values and respects her Chamorro heritage and visits Guam frequently.

Angela enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1998 and currently serves as the MILDET Junior Yeoman for the MSCPAC in San Diego, CA. She has been recognized for her exemplary service on numerous occasions, receiving a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, a Navy Unit Commendation Medal, a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Navy Good Conduct Medal with one bronze star, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and a Navy Recruiting Service Ribbon. She was named the Sailor of the Quarter, First Quarter 2001 while serving aboard the USS John C. Stennis. Angela's dedication, determination and enthusiasm has made her an integral part of many operations. She currently serves as the Awards Yeoman, Temporary Additional Duty Travel Coordinator, Leave Clerk, and Muster Petty Officer, supporting over 140 afloat military personnel in 19 forward deployed MSCPAC ships in the Pacific.

I commend Angela for her hard work and dedication to our country and express my sincere congratulations on being chosen as the Military Sealift Command Shore Sailor of the Year. As a native daughter of Guam, Angela serves as a model of success and brings great pride to our island and our people.

I would like to thank Chairman Hyde, Ranking Member Lantos, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, and Congressman McCotter for initiating this resolution urging the European Union to maintain its arms embargo on the People's Republic of China. I rise today to give my strong support to this resolution. The arms embargo we are discussing today was placed on the People's Republic of China in response to the massacre at the Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989. That singular event succinctly demonstrated the oppression of those who suffer under a closed society like the PRC. They suffered on that fateful day at the hands of a brutal suppression. I urge our European friends to uphold their principled stand against arms sales as they opposed arming Eastern Germany and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. At that time it was the safety of Europe that hung in the balance. Now it is the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region that is at stake.

The gathering of students and peaceful protesters at Tiananmen Square that summer represented a value we in this country hold dear: the right to freely assemble. If you believe in that freedom, then don't lift the embargo. Let us remember the graphic image of the lone protester stopping a line of People's Liberation Army tanks on a Beijing highway. How will the governments of Europe explain that the next time this occurs the People's Liberation Army could be using French or German tanks to quell a protest for democracy?

One member of the PRC government recognized the plight of the Chinese people on that fateful day and had the courage to admit that the brutal suppression was a shameful tragedy. General Secretary Zhao Ziyang was then stripped of power and placed under house arrest until his recent passing. It is forbidden to discuss his heroism in China, but here on the floor of Congress we can be candid because we enjoy the right to free speech that the people of China do not. In his memory, I urge the good nations of Europe to recognize that the work begun by the protesters at Tiananmen is not done.

I admit that I have personal interest in keeping the arms embargo in place. The People's Republic of China has had a history of aggressive military acquisition. These forces may someday threaten our allies in the Asia-Pacific region. It was only recently that a Chinese submarine was detected circling our island. I urge the leaders of Europe to look beyond their own self-interest and consider the cause of freedom in making their decision concerning the arms embargo.

To this end, I ask my colleagues to vote in favor of House Resolution 57, to urge the European Union to maintain its arms embargo on the People's Republic of China.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 23, honoring the contributions of Catholic schools to the intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical, and social development of children in Guam and throughout our Nation. As we celebrate 2005 Catholic Schools Week with the spirit of ``Faith in Every Student,'' I would like to thank Mr. Kennedy for introducing this resolution that helps draw national attention to the important role of Catholic Schools.

Roman Catholicism has a long history in Guam dating back to 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan landed on the island. In 1668, Blessed Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores arrived in Guam, establishing a mission in the village of Hagatna. This became the site of the first Catholic Church and is now the seat of the Archdiocese of Agana.

In the modern era, Bishop Apollinaris Baumgartner, OFM Cap., established the foundations of Guam's Catholic Schools. Guam's first Chamorro Bishop, Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores, OFM Cap., made Catholic education a priority and instilled a tremendous pride in the academic and moral education provided by the Catholic schools. His successor, Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron has continued the tradition of excellence that has been the standard of Catholic Schools in Guam. Today, nearly a quarter of Guamanian school children attend Catholic schools throughout the Island.

Catholic schools offering a secondary curriculum include the Notre Dame High School in Talofofo, Father Duenas Memorial School in Tai, and Academy of Our Lady of Guam in Hagatna. Those offering an elementary and middle school education include Bishop Baumgartener Memorial School in Sinajana, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Agat, St. Anthony School in Tamuning, Saint Francis School in Yona, San Vicente School in Barrigada, Santa Barbara School in Dededo, and Dominican School in Yigo. Finally, those offering a nursery school education include the Dominican Child Care Development Center in Ordot, Infant of Prague in Tai, Maria Artero in Agana Heights, and Mercy Heights in Tamuning.

I would like to commend the leadership of Archbishop Apuron, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Lea Santos, and Associate Superintendent Sister Ana Lee, OP, for advancing the mission of Catholic Schools in Guam. I would also like to recognize the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Mercy, Dominican Sisters, the religious orders of Capuchins, Franciscans, Jesuits and Marists for their service in educating the children of Guam.

Finally, I want to commend all the students, parents, teachers and administrators of Catholic schools in Guam and across the Nation for their contributions to our Nation and our world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in expressing profound sorrow on the loss of one of this House's most highly respected and widely regarded members, the Honorable Bob Matsui of Sacramento.

With his passing, we have lost a national conscience in Congress. Although I had the privilege to serve with him for only 2 of his 26 years of distinguished service in the House, it did not take long for me to realize after arriving here as a freshman, that he was truly a man of distinction. His leadership in many ways was subtle, but firm and strong.

I had the honor of serving with him on the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and recognize today, along with many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, his long-standing commitment and contributions to the progress of our communities. It was through his diligence, as many have recounted and memorialized this evening, that healing and justice was brought through the enactment of Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which authorized reparations and a formal apology to surviving Japanese Americans who had been detained in U.S. concentration camps during World War II. This is just but one of the lasting landmark accomplishments of his leadership.

On so many other accounts and in so many other ways, he was there for those in need of a voice in Congress. A reliable and true public servant, for the disadvantaged, for our seniors, and for our young Americans, who he inspired with his example and character.

Bob Matsui was gifted leader who epitomized the noblest qualities of public service. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Doris and their family and to the people of the fifth District of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the late Glenn David Martinez, a member of the ``Greatest Generation'' who passed away earlier this year. Glenn was a proud Chamorro with a great faith in God and a dedication to his island home and his country. Glenn was a fighter pilot during World War II serving in the Pacific theater with the U.S. Army Air Corps, now known as the U.S. Air Force. It is with great sadness that I inform this body of his death.

In honor of his memory, I am submitting for the Record a special tribute to Glenn written by his close friend, Mr. Joe M. Bamba, formerly of Agana Heights, Guam, which was delivered at Glenn's memorial service on Guam.

I am indeed privileged and honored to be asked by the

family to say a last ``adios to Glenn''. As I tried to

assimilate my thoughts to pay our last and final respects to

such a fine and wonderful friend, husband, father,

grandfather and brother, I wondered sometimes whether I would

be able to adequately, truly, and justly convey my thoughts

into words which Glenn richly deserves.

Although I knew of Glenn's reputation and heroism when we

were in Guam, I was more intimately aware of Glenn, the

person, when he relocated and lived in South Florida. There,

we developed an exceptional kinship and fellowship. We shared

few secrets here and there and we belonged to a group of

fellow Guamanians in the area. In fact, he was the most

eligible bachelor at that time. He was a sensitive, real down

to earth, and easy to get along guy once you got to know him.

He was, however, very selective with whom he wanted to

associate. He often spoke of the need for our Chamorros to

work together and continue to maintain our customs and

culture.

In spite of his exploits and feats in the service of his

country during World War II, you never heard him brag of such

heroic accomplishments. In other words, in our vernacular, TI

BANIDOSO. He was one of the few Guamanian Officers of the

``Greatest Generation'' in the service of his island home and

country. Because of his health situation and ultimately his

death, he would never see the beautiful and hallowed national

World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the

World War II veterans.

As a veteran, Glenn could have opted to be buried at the

venerated and internationally renowned Arlington National

Cemetery, but instead he decided to make Guam his final

resting place and to be near his family who predeceased him.

As the saying goes, you can remove a Guamanian from Guam, but

you cannot remove Guam from a Guamanian.

When Glenn left South Florida to visit Guam, he returned

and brought with him his new wife, Chilang. At that time, we

were celebrating the Guam Liberation Day Festivities. He

introduced Chilang as ``The Wind Behind His Wing'' and she

deservedly so earned that title.

I talked to Glenn by telephone often during the critical

months before he passed on and he politely discouraged us to

visit with him. Finally, he agreed to allow my wife and me to

see him about a week before he died. We talked about the news

of the day and he told me that three months ago, he was

playing and enjoying his golf. Not once did he mention the

pain he was experiencing so as to make us feel uncomfortable.

I observed that he was ready to accept what was terminally

happening to his body. For his peace of mind, great credit

is due to Chilang; his daughter, Linda Chuckman and her

husband, Alex: the local health professionals, who

supported him; and his pastor, Father Jeff McCormick, who

consoled and prayed with him. At the memorial service in

South Florida, Father Jeff celebrated the service and Alex

gave a heart warming and remarkable eulogy for Glenn.

Glenn, as a member of the military, you were familiar with

the military parlance, ``Permanent Change of Station'',

commonly called ``PCS''. You took those orders from your

Supreme Commander, that is, the change from living on this

earth to one of eternity with your beloved family, who

previously passed on and who are with God. Such orders from

your Supreme Commander, who is God Himself, have never been

countermanded or changed. Glenn, as you leave us mortals

behind to join your creator, we cite one of the passages of

Matthew, ``Ask and you will receive; Seek and you will find:

Knock and it will be opened to you. For the one who asks,

receives. The one who seeks, finds. The one who knocks,

enters.'' This, my friend, we pray as you enter the Kingdom

of God. Adios for now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2302, which would reauthorize the ``Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program.'' Reauthorization of this important program will help districts that experience shortages with respect to health care professionals, such as Guam, by allowing certain U.S.-trained foreign doctors to remain in the United States to practice medicine in these underserved areas.

Like many rural and insular areas, Guam experiences great difficulty attracting and retaining qualified health professionals. The cost of providing health care is higher in Guam

than in many areas on the mainland, and incidents of chronic disease are above national averages. The Conrad 30 J-1 visa Waiver Program is an important tool that allows poor, rural and insular areas to meet the health care needs of their communities by permitting International Medical Graduates to maintain their work visas in the United States if they agree to remain in areas defined by the Department of Health and Human Services as Health Professional Shortage Areas or Medically Underserved Areas or Populations. Normally, these foreign physicians would have to return to their respective home countries for 2 years before they could return to the United States to again practice medicine.

While I believe priority should always be given to American doctors and health professionals for local hiring, it is clear that there are simply not enough health care professionals to meet demand in underserved areas such as Guam. Without the services of skilled foreign physicians from countries such as the Philippines, it would be difficult for Guam's public health care system to meet the medical needs of our community. S. 2302 reauthorizes a program that has been successful in addressing the issues of recruitment and retention of qualified health professionals in these areas, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the efforts of the Young Men's League of Guam (YMLG) in building community support for the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission and working to bring resolution to a painful era in Guam's history.

As Guam's oldest fraternal organization, the Young Men's League of Guam, in conjunction with the Mayor's Council of Guam, has taken a lead role in building community consensus on the issue of Guam War Claims following the presentation of the Guam War Claims Review Commission report to Congress on June 9, 2004. YMLG and the Mayor's Council collected 1,800 signatures in a petition to the President, Congress, and local leaders requesting Congressional action to bring closure to the horrific experiences endured by the people of Guam, demonstrating broad support within our community for resolving the issue of Guam War Claims. YMLG advocates quick action on the recommendations of the Review Commission's report to bring closure for the remaining survivors of the occupation.

YMLG President and Chairman Dr. Jose T. Nededog and other YMLG leaders have championed the cause of bringing recognition and justice to those who experienced the occupation. Dr. Nededog, who lost his older brother in the Fena cave massacre during the occupation, is like many Chamorros, who after enduring enemy occupation went on to proud careers of service in the U.S. military.

Guam is the only United States jurisdiction invaded and occupied by enemy forces since the war of 1812. Over 8,000 Chamorros suffered personal injury, including rape, beatings, forced labor, forced march and internment, and approximately 1,000 were killed at the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army. YMLG is concerned that many of those who survived the brutal 32 month occupation are passing away before the issue of War Claims is fully resolved.

I commend Dr. Nededog, the Young Men's League of Guam, and the Mayor's Council of Guam for being a voice for the survivors of the occupation of Guam and for actively engaging in the effort to bring closure to the issue of Guam war claims. I welcome their support and encouragement and look forward to moving this issue through the U.S. Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to submit for the Record a copy of the Young Men's League of Guam Resolution No. 01-04 ``Relative to Expressing Strong Support to the Recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission for the Chamorro People.''

Resolution No. 01-04

Whereas, the Young Men's League of Guam is the oldest

Chamorro fraternal organization on Guam, established in 1917;

and

Whereas, members of the League are replete with great

leaders of Guam who determined the destiny of Guam and its

people; and

Whereas, the majority of the members of the League and

their families have experienced the atrocities of the

Japanese occupation of Guam during World War II; and

Whereas, the majority of the members of the League have

testified before the Guam War Claims Review Commission during

their visit to Guam to secure testimonies from the Cbamorro

people who experienced the atrocities of the Japanese

occupation; and

Whereas, the Board of Directors and the Council of Elders

of the League were elected at large by the general

membership; and

Whereas, the Board of Directors and the Council of Elders

are representatives of the General membership with the

fiduciary responsibility of overseeing the general welfare

and well being of the members: Now, therefore be it

Resolved, That the Young Men's League of Guam totally

supports the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review

Commission that would bring closure to the long awaited

recognition for the undue suffering of the Chamorro people

through Japanese atrocities during World War II because of

their dedication and loyalty to America; and be it further

Resolved, That the Young Men's League of Guam requests the

Guam Legislature and the Governor of Guam to jointly support

the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Porter amendment.

Throughout this important debate, emphasis has been placed on the need to ensure information is shared within the intelligence community. As we conclude this debate, we now have before us an amendment that would ensure information on the private sector is also made a part of the process and taken into consideration in the formulation of homeland security policy.

The facts speak for themselves. The travel and tourism industry has a considerable impact on the U.S. economy--adding nearly 5 percent to the GDP, generating more than half a billion dollars in revenues, supporting more than 17 million jobs, and providing a $14 million trade surplus for our country. Mr. Chairman, an overwhelming number of the businesses in travel and tourism are small- to medium-sized enterprises. Therefore, I believe DHS should be especially cognizant of its policy and regulatory impact on the travel and tourism industry.

Whether it is our aviation industry, the aircraft designers or the airline employees on the flight line, the hotel industry, or our amusement parks, we need homeland security policy that will effectively provide for the safety of our citizens and the economic vitality of our most important industries. We should not put ourselves in a position where in an effort to protect our infrastructure, we shut down the very use of transportation services we are trying to protect.

In my district, Guam, like Nevada, tourism is a leading industry in the private sector. Post-September 11 policies have already shown a major impact on businesses in my district. What this amendment does, is ensure this impact is assessed and considered inside DHS when developing policy.

If you believe economic security ultimately underpins our national security, then you should vote for the Porter amendment.

The vitality and sustainability of the travel and tourism industry is a national economic necessity. Consumer confidence in travel and in the economy is needed. Safety and security in travel is key to this consumer confidence. By elevating the Special Assistant to an Under Secretary and by encouraging coordination with local governments and the Commerce Department, the Porter amendment gives DHS the authority it needs to craft and execute policy to achieve these goals.

I thank the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter) for his leadership, I urge adoption of

his amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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