Floor Statements

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

Mr. Speaker, we have no objection to the consideration of H.R. 4617.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, again we have no objection to the consideration of this measure.

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

Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from Arizona for yielding me the time to speak briefly on this resolution which I introduced on July 21 to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the landing of U.S. forces on the beaches of Asan and Agat in southern Guam to liberate the only American community to have been occupied by a foreign power since the War of 1812.

As many of my colleagues realize, Guam was attacked by the Imperial Japanese forces only hours after Pearl Harbor was bombed. The people of Guam endured a 32-month occupation at the hands of the enemy. U.S. forces returned in 1944 to liberate the people of Guam, who remained extraordinarily loyal to the United States of America during the occupation.

The liberation of Guam is a defining moment in our history and in Guam's relationship with the United States. The valor of the U.S. forces who participated in the liberation of Guam is of special significance. The courage of our people of Guam who experienced the war is profoundly noteworthy. Theirs is a story which deserves to be told to all Americans. It is a story of great sacrifice and dignity.

As commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the end of the war in Pacific nears, I am pleased we were able to take the time today to bring recognition to Guam and Peleliu. I thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), ranking member, for their support. I also extend thanks to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), cochairmen of this resolution, for bringing recognition to these events. I thank the many other cosponsors and urge unanimous agreement.

Madam Speaker, first I would like to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Chairman Gilchrest) for his very kind words in support of this measure.

As this is the last in a number of the Committee on Resources' bills to come to the floor today, I want to also take the opportunity to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), ranking member, for the largely bipartisan and cooperative nature by which they conduct the committee's business. Such has been my experience as a freshman, and I am very proud to serve on the committee with them.

I want to especially thank them and their staff for their assistance with this bill. The Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Act of 2004 will bring more Federal attention and cooperative support for dealing with the critical ecological threat in the Pacific region, the brown tree snake, a harmful invasive species. The cooperation directed in this legislation will actually save the Federal Government money by coordinating Federal activities more efficiently and focusing on the goal of eradication.

H.R. 3479 has been a joint and collaborative effort between myself and the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Case) and the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie). Together we have worked successfully with stakeholders in our district to produce a good bill.

Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Chairman Gilchrest) for his support and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), ranking member, and their staff, for their support and due diligence in this process.

I also want to extend my appreciation to the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Goodlatte); the ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm); and their staff for working with us on the provisions under the Committee on Agriculture's jurisdiction.

H.R. 3479 recognizes that a coordinated effort on the part of the public and private sectors with requisite accountability is essential to the successful prevention, control, and management of the brown tree snake. With the support of the House today, we can get the direction and resources needed to step up the level of protection for the ecological and economic interests of Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands, Hawaii, and the mainland of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I want to honor the Catholic Social Services (CSS) for 25 years of committed service to the people of Guam. For over two decades, the CSS has responded to the needs of our island community through housing, health care, nutritional and other support programs for the elderly and disadvantaged in our community. In doing so, it has fulfilled its mission to encourage the development of the spiritual, intellectual, economic, and social well-being of those in need while respecting the dignity of each individual.

Founded by Fr. David I.A. Quitugua with the assistance of Judge Ramon Diaz and the late Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores, the Catholic Social Services opened its doors on September 12, 1979 in Agana, Guam. From its first programs, the residential Drug Treatment Center and the Migration and Refugee Office to the many programs they currently administer, the Catholic Social Services continues to expand to meet the growing needs of our community. Programs such as the In-Home Services Program have provided much needed respite and support services for caretakers of the elderly and to elderly individuals without caretakers. Other programs, including the Alee Shelters and Guma Sagrada Familia, have provided a safe haven for victims of abuse especially women, children, the elderly and adults with disabilities. The Guma San Jose shelters and the Liheng Transitional Housing Program provide shelter to homeless individuals and families as well as assistance in obtaining permanent housing. The Caridad programs provide much needed assistance to children and adults with special needs.

The accomplishments of the Catholic Social Services over the last 25 years would not have been possible without the work of dedicated staff and volunteers, past and present. I want to commend each of them for their commitment to serving the less fortunate in our community. I would also like to commend

the leadership of CSS over the years, Fr. David Quitugua, Sr. Anita, Mrs. Cerila M. Rapadas, and Sr. Callista Camacho, R.S.M. Together they have brought hope to those in need.

I want to recognize Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron and the Archdiocese of Agana for the continued support of the mission of the Catholic Social Services. Furthermore, I would also like to recognize the generosity of the donors and benefactors of the Catholic Social Services. Their contributions have made it possible for CSS to continue its work and I encourage their continued support.

I want to congratulate the Catholic Social Services on their 25th Anniversary. Although I cannot be with them as they celebrate the occasion, I want to thank them for their service to our people and wish them continued success. Un Dangkulu na Si Yu'os Ma'ase!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of one of the pillars of our community, businessman and former Guam Senator Edward M. ``Eddie'' Calvo, who passed away yesterday on September 14, 2004.

Eddie Calvo was born on March 8, 1936. He was husband to Frances Calvo and father to Eduardo, John, Joseph, Leonard, and Carmen Calvo. He was also a grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend.

In his capacity as a businessman, Eddie Calvo was Vice-President of Calvo Enterprises, Chairman of the Board of Calvo's Insurance and President of EC Development. He was in charge of both Pay-Less Markets, Guam's largest retail grocery chain, and Calvo's Insurance, Guam's oldest and largest insurance agency. In 1996, he was honored as the Guam Business News Executive of the Year, recognizing his very important role in the success of Calvo Enterprises.

However, his impact on the community has extended well beyond his role as a businessman. He followed in the footsteps of his father Edwardo T. Calvo, who served in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Guam Legislature, to win a seat in the 14th Guam Legislature. After leaving elected office, Eddie Calvo continued public service in his capacity on the Guam Telephone Authority board and Guam Election Commission board, among other endeavors. Other notable family members who have been public servants include his brother Paul Calvo, who was Governor of Guam from 1979-1982, and his nephew Eddie Baza Calvo, who has served in the Guam Legislature.

I have known Eddie Calvo to always be a kind, outgoing, and friendly person. Our families have been very close over the years, and I have known him since I was a young girl growing up in Guam. His service in the public and private sector has been steadfast through good times and bad, and his intelligence and vision have served him well in both capacities.

Though we mourn his death, we honor his life by living by his example. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the family and friends of this prominent island leader, Eddie Calvo.

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

I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 407 introduced by my colleague, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Akin). I would like to recognize the gentleman for his leadership and work in bringing forward this resolution to salute the service and extreme bravery of Commander Lloyd Mark Bucher and the crew of the USS Pueblo.

Sadly, Lloyd Bucher, who went by the name of ``Pete,'' passed away earlier this year. With his passing, the tragic event of the capture of the USS Pueblo in 1968 by North Korea once again brings light upon this exceptional individual. Commander Bucher did not just have the unfortunate privilege of being the commander of the USS Pueblo when it was attacked by the North Koreans on January 23, 1968. It was his bravery, loyalty and steadfastness to his men that distinguished him as an extraordinary leader during a dark and very challenging time.

Pete Bucher's life is an American story. He was born in 1927. His parents died when he was an infant. He was adopted, but tragically, his adoptive parents also died during his childhood.

After seeing the film ``Boys Town,'' he wrote to Father Flanagan asking if he could live there. According to a Boys Town account, Father Flanagan sent him a train ticket, and Pete Bucher finally found a permanent home in Omaha, Nebraska.

At 17 years of age, Pete Bucher enlisted in the Navy. He went on to college at the University of Nebraska, and after graduating he became a naval officer and served for 27 years before retiring in 1973.

He might have lived an ordinary naval life if not for the terrible events that unfolded on January 23, 1968. As commander of the USS Pueblo, an intelligence gathering ship, Commander Bucher was ordered to cruise off the eastern coast of North Korea to intercept communications and gather intelligence. While on their maiden voyage and in international waters, the Pueblo armed only with two .50 caliber machine guns was attacked by three North Korean torpedo boats and a North Korean sub chaser.

The attack ended with one American crewman killed and a number of crew wounded, including Commander Bucher.

Despite radio calls seeking air support, no help ever arrived. Instead, the crew and its captain were taken as prisoners. Beaten, tortured, and starved nearly to death, the crew endured this brutality for nearly a year. Pete Bucher, as the leader of the crew, took the brunt of these punishments.

According to James Kell, a Pueblo survivor, many more sailors would have died without Bucher's sense of bravery and leadership. He bore the worst of the tortures and inspired his men to hang on. It was his concern for saving the life of his crew that made him a sailor's sailor, a sign of respect and admiration from his crew. On December 23, 1968, 11 months after their capture, the crew and the captain of the USS Pueblo were released. Many were crippled or nearly blind because of malnourishment they endured.

Yet Commander Pete Bucher would not receive the support and recognition that he deserved from his commanding officers. Instead, he faced an official court of inquiry that criticized him for surrendering his ship and recommended a court-martial. But Bucher was never charged. He continued to serve in the Navy and retired in 1973.

Today, we remember the Pueblo, and we salute the life and the courage of this exceptional individual and recognize the bravery of all those who served with him aboard the USS Pueblo. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

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

Madam Speaker, a new general management plan which will guide this National Monument called the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument for the next 10 to 15 years is currently being developed. As with the development of any new GMP, this is an extensive process which relies heavy on input from local communities as well as interested parties from around our country. Clearly, one of the most important issues to be resolved in this new GMP is the need for a visitor facility at the monument.

As introduced, we were concerned that H.R. 2457 effectively prejudged the issue of a visitor facility by mandating that one of the options on the table would be selected before the GMP process identified a preferred alternative. However, working with the sponsor of the legislation and the National Park Service, the bill before us today has been amended to simply provide the NPS with the funding and authorization necessary to implement whatever the GMP identifies as the best option.

Madam Speaker, we appreciate the cooperation of everyone involved, and urge our colleagues to support H.R. 2457.

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

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

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 4027 is noncontroversial legislation that would encourage cooperative use of Federal land at Virginia Key, Florida under the administrative jurisdiction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration between the Federal agency and the University of Miami. The existing long-term relationship between the two NOAA laboratories at Virginia Key and their neighbor, the University's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, has produced an enviable record of scientific achievement.

While this legislation, Madam Speaker, will not authorize the conveyance of any Federal land, it is expected to provide helpful guidance for future collaboration among the institutions as they look to upgrade their respective research facilities at Virginia Key. I urge Members to support this legislation to enhance ocean and coastal scientific research.

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

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

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

Madam Speaker, the majority has already explained the purpose of H.R. 4481. The battle at Wilson's Creek was the first major engagement of the Civil War west of the Mississippi and was important in keeping Missouri in the Union. The National Park Service supports the acquisitions authorized by the bill. The expansion of the national battlefield also has the support of the local community and Civil War historians.

The bill was amended to make several changes that while unnecessary do not undermine the overall purpose of the legislation. As such, we do not object to passage of H.R. 4481 by the House today.

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

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

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

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the brief summary of the bill provided by the previous speaker. As noted, H.R. 3056 is noncontroversial legislation to correct a legitimate mapping error for a John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resource System unit in the State of Florida.

Recent hurricanes in Florida have dramatically shown that building on low-lying coastal barriers is inherently risky and costly both in lives and property. I might add, Madam Speaker, that if anyone is familiar with coastal areas and storms and the damage that occurs after such a storm, it would be a resident from Guam, where we have had three major typhoons in a year and a half.

Upholding the integrity of the Coastal Barrier Resources System is essential if we hope to protect the Federal taxpayer from the folly of subsidizing future foolhardy private development along these undeveloped high-risk areas.

I commend the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest), chairman of the Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans Subcommittee, and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the subcommittee's ranking Democrat member, for their diligent evaluation to ensure that the new maps adopted through the legislation are accurate and consistent entirely with the purposes of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act. I urge Members to support this noncontroversial legislation.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

Madam Speaker, at the outset I would note that the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), Committee on Resources ranking member, had hoped to be here to manage this extremely important legislation, but has been delayed in returning from his congressional district. However, he joins with me in saluting Senator Robert C. Byrd for his tireless efforts on this vital legislation that will serve to enhance both the scenic beauty and historic resources of Harpers Ferry in the State of West Virginia. Madam Speaker, we have a statement from the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) which will be included in the Record.

Just as important as the substance of the bill is the process through which this proposal was developed. The sponsor of this legislation, Senator Robert C. Byrd, understood that units of the National Park Service work best when the local community feels connected to the park and is included in the decision-making process regarding the park's management. To accomplish this goal, Senator Byrd directed the National Park Service to conduct extensive public outreach to provide the local community information regarding the needs of the park and the impacts of any potential expansion. As a result, S. 1576 has near-universal support in the local communities near the park.

We commend Senator Byrd for his tireless efforts on behalf of Harpers Ferry, and we urge our colleagues to support S. 1576. And, Madam Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not mention, and I would like to commend her as well, the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito) for her efforts on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

Madam Speaker, today we are considering legislation to amend the Organic Act of Guam to establish the Guam judiciary as the third co-equal and independent branch of the government of Guam. Passing H.R. 2400 is an important and necessary step in the exercising of Congress's plenary authority over the territories as granted in article IV of the United States Constitution. The bill is relatively straightforward and has the full support of all Guam's leaders.

I introduced H.R. 2400 last year at the request of the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Guam and the chairman of the 27th Guam legislature's Committee on the Judiciary. The bill would empower Guam's judiciary by clarifying the territory's local judicial structure. In essence, H.R. 2400 would amend the Organic Act of Guam to vest

the Supreme Court of Guam with authority over all inferior courts in the Guam judiciary, including the Superior Court of Guam and any such other lower courts as may be established by the laws of Guam.

A quick understanding of the history and evolution of the local judiciary in Guam reveals the need for this legislation. Guam's Organic Act, passed in August of 1950, provided for the organization of the territorial government. Therein, the judicial branch of the Government of Guam was created, which consisted of a district court of Guam having the jurisdiction of a district court of the United States and designated as Guam's appellate court to hear appeals from the local court.

In 1973, Guam's leaders made their first attempt at creating a Supreme Court of Guam, but that court's existence was short lived. The establishment of the first Supreme Court of Guam was ruled inorganic by the United States Supreme Court in the Territory of Guam v. Olsen. In rendering this decision, the United States Supreme Court held the Organic Act of Guam did not authorize the transfer of appellate jurisdiction from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to a locally established appellate court.

In 1984, in response to the United States Supreme Court decision, Congress amended the Organic Act of Guam through the passage of an Omnibus Territories Act, Public Law 98-454, and granted the Guam legislature the authority to establish a local appellate court. In 1993, the Guam legislature exercised its authority and created the Supreme Court of Guam through passage of local law.

However, in authorizing the creation of a Supreme Court of Guam, the Congress left the newly created court subordinate to Guam's other two branches of government. Guam's executive and legislative branches are established in the Organic Act of Guam, which in lieu of an adopted constitution serves to provide the framework and powers for the territory's executive and legislative branches.

As the current judicial structure is established in Guam law, it can be subject to manipulations based upon shifts in control of Guam's executive and legislative branches. Currently, the Guam legislature and the Guam executive branch have the power to abolish the Supreme Court of Guam, and, as such, may infringe upon the judiciary's independence.

H.R. 2400 would remedy this situation by making the Supreme Court of Guam an ``Organic'' court equal in stature to the other branches of government and providing the Guam judiciary the same protection as the other branches have in their status under the Organic Act of Guam. Just as the Governor cannot disband the legislature and the legislature cannot abolish the executive, so too should the judiciary be free from the threat of abolishment by the legislative or executive branches if their judicial decisions are found to be unpopular at any given point in time.

Madam Speaker, judicial independence cannot and should not be taken for granted. As Guam's self-governance continues to advance, the legal rights of the people of Guam should not be left to the discretion of the political branches. As Alexander Hamilton wrote in The Federalist No. 78, ``There is no liberty if the power of judging be not separated from the legislative and the executive powers.''

An independent judiciary is in its purest form accountable only to the rule of law, not other political actors. H.R. 2400 seeks to solidify such an independent judicial structure for the government of Guam in the Organic Act in the highest traditions of American federalism.

The version of the legislation we are considering today, Madam Speaker, is in the same form as reported out by the Committee on Resources in the 107th Congress. This bill has evolved since it was first introduced in the 105th Congress by my predecessor, former Congressman Robert Underwood, as the Guam Judicial Empowerment Act, and in its current form reflects improvements suggested by the U.S. District Court of Guam and the Committee on Resources.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill to amend the Organic Act of Guam in recognition of the importance of having a strong judiciary and in furtherance of Guam's efforts to achieve the greatest amount of self-governance possible.

Madam Speaker, I include for the Record a letter from the Governor of Guam, the Honorable Felix P. Camacho, in support of establishing Guam's judicial branch in the Organic Act of Guam; a resolution from the 27th Guam Legislature urging passage of H.R. 2400; and a resolution in support of the bill from the Judicial Council of Guam.

Office of the Governor of Guam,

Hagatna, Guam, May 7, 2004.

Hon. Madeleine Z. Bordallo,

Congresswoman, House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Madeleine: This letter is written in reference to H.R.

2400, a bill to amend the Organic Act of Guam for the

purposes of clarifying the local judicial structure of Guam.

I stated in previous testimony in reference to a similar

bill introduced by your predecessor in the 107th Congress,

``I certainly support the independence of all branches of

government, inclusive of the judicial branch of Guam.'' As

the Chief Executive of our Territory, I certainly appreciate

our tri-partite form of government which was crafted by the

founders of our great nation and unanimously adopted by the

states of our union. I fully recognize that the effectiveness

of our system of government, both on the federal and local

level, rests in checks and balances. To this end, I recognize

that the judicial branch of our Territory, like our executive

and legislative branches, must be ``constitutionally''

established or in our case, have an ``Organic'' existence

with similar powers to govern, reorganize, manage and account

for its branch with judicial independence founded under our

U.S. Constitution. To the extent H.R. 2400 furthers this

principle, I am supportive of your efforts and the assistance

of your colleagues.

My personal preference is for our tri-partite structure of

government to be established in a Guam Constitution. Further,

the specifics of the internal operation of our judicial

branch should be established locally. However, I am cognizant

that since I submitted my previous testimony to Congress on

this issue, local law affecting the Guam judiciary has

changed. In addition, until Guam adopts its own constitution,

the Organic Act functions as Guam's de facto constitution.

For these reasons, I support your efforts to establish Guam's

judicial branch in our Organic Act.

With Warm Personal Regards,

Felix P. Camacho,

Governor of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5008, and I would like to take this time to thank the chairman of the Committee on Small Business, the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Manzullo), and the ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), for their continued leadership in crafting a long-term reauthorization of the Small Business Administration.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5008 will provide temporary reauthorization of the Small Business Administration. While I support H.R. 5008, I do share the ranking member's frustration that we still have not had the opportunity to vote to pass a permanent reauthorization of the Small Business Administration, and consequently this raises concerns about the future of the 7(a) loan guarantee program, which is often the only source of long-term financing on reasonable terms for small businesses, particularly those in poor, rural and underserved areas.

While H.R. 5008 will maintain the current authority for the 7(a) program,

small business owners will see a doubling of administration fees.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Small Business approved on a unanimous, bipartisan basis a permanent Small Business Administration reauthorization, H.R. 2802. The committee marked up this bill on July 21, 2003. H.R. 2802 would revise the 7(a) fee calculation for small businesses, avoiding the increase that they will otherwise face under the current authority.

These small firms represent the future of our economy, Mr. Speaker, as they account for 75 percent of all new jobs created in the United States.

Therefore, I hope that we can work together to resolve any outstanding issues with respect to this bill and move this important legislation to the floor before we recess. In the meantime, I respectfully urge my colleagues to vote today in favor of the temporary reauthorization.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

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

I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Regula) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) for allowing me the opportunity to offer this amendment. I come before the House today to address the chronic health care disparities in the Insular Areas.

This amendment temporarily brings the Insular Areas into parity with the funding of other States. While States receive between 50 to 75 percent in Federal matching funds for their Medicaid costs, Guam and the Insular Areas' matching funds are arbitrarily reduced to 25 percent at the most. The gap in funding must therefore be borne by the local governments. This financial burden has crippled the health care system in Guam.

Chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease are abnormally prevalent in the Insular Areas. Diabetes is a leading cause of death on Guam. Contagious diseases like tuberculosis are a constant threat to the health of our children. Patients needing emergency care in Guam are often medvaced to Hawaii for treatment, largely at their own expense. Guam's only cancer clinic has recently closed. The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is on the verge of bankruptcy with constant safety concerns.

The gentleman from Indiana (Chairman Burton), the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda), the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen) have each advocated forcefully that Congress address this issue. And now is the time to do it.

We have had a hearing on the dangerous health care disparities in the Insular Areas. The GAO is currently conducting a study to further document these problems. The amendment before us has been scored by CBO and is fully offset.

Listen to the plea for medical assistance coming from the Insular Areas. America's most disadvantaged citizens truly need our help, and this is the first step in the right direction; and I urge the Members to support it.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton) for his kind words and support.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda).

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

Mr. Chairman, first I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), for their willingness to work with the Delegates to address the disparities contributed to by the Medicaid caps on our territories.

I also want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) for his support and all of the others in Congress who have talked to me about supporting this issue. I think it is very important to me and all of the other Delegates from the Territories that these gentlemen have made a commitment to work with us in the future. I certainly am very willing to sit down and work with them.

Mr. Chairman, this has been an issue with the Territories for the last 20 years. We have been bringing it before Congress, all to no avail. I am sure, with the assistance of all these fine gentleman, we will be able to work out some solutions.

I also want to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo) for signing off on this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.