Floor Statements

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 4625, the Soda Ash Royalty Relief Act of 2004, authored by the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin).

Soda ash, a chemical produced from trona ore, means mining jobs in southwest Wyoming. These jobs, however, may disappear if we do not provide some measure of relief for our domestic trona producers who are fighting to stay competitive in today's global economy.

Simply put, Mr. Speaker, unfair competition from China threatens to dismantle the American soda ash industry. The pending bill would, for a limited time, enhance the competitiveness of our domestic producers by providing a royalty reduction on trona produced on Federal lands.

At a time when too many American jobs are being lost, we must do what is necessary to keep our workforce here at home strong and competitive. We, on this side of the aisle, have no objection to passage of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers; and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 714. This resolution honors a great American committed to a great cause. Sandra Feldman's tenure at the AFT has solidified that organization's influential and positive role in education reform.

Sandra Feldman's career first focused on improving teaching and learning as part of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Her work as a second and third grade teacher in New York City's public schools solidified her view that a high-quality teacher is one of the key elements of successful learning.

To the benefit of teachers everywhere, Ms. Feldman was elected to the presidency of the United Federation of Teachers New York affiliate of the AFT in 1986. She was subsequently elected to the AFT presidency in 1997.

While holding the presidency of the AFT, Ms. Feldman has helped to improve the conditions under which our teachers work, but she has also been a tireless advocate for improved teaching and learning. Successful teaching includes better pay and benefits. But Ms. Feldman also recognized that we have to ensure our teachers have the skills and the professional development to do their jobs well. Her focus on quality has allowed many school systems to redouble their efforts to improve academic achievement.

While Ms. Feldman has recently retired, her legacy will continue to improve education in this country for many, many years to come. I urge the Members to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Michigan for the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The agreement before us deals with some very big numbers. It supports over 270,000 jobs here at home and the $18 billion in exports to Australia these workers generate annually.

Australian exports to Guam are approximately $12 million per year, consisting mainly of consumer goods and building materials. The Guam shipyard is capable of repairing Australian vessels, and the twice weekly direct flights between Cairns and Guam bring a steady stream of tourists in both directions.

Under the agreement, 99 percent of Guam's exports will enter Australia duty free. Even greater than the numerical case for supporting this free trade agreement are the shared values that underpin trade between our two nations. Many of my colleagues have appropriately used trade agreements in the past to highlight the failure of our trading partners to address human rights, environmental quality control, and labor standards within their borders.

Under these trade criteria, Australia is exactly the kind of country that we should trade with. Australia has an outstanding record on meeting its international human rights commitments. Australia is our partner in promoting these values in the Asia Pacific region.

Australia's environmental standards give us the reassurance that our imports do not abuse global resources. Their laws protecting coral reefs and their strong enforcement of them serve as a model for protecting our own endangered ocean habitat.

Australia's labor standards are so deeply ingrained in their society that they serve as a reminder to us that we owe our own workers a higher minimum wage. Under this agreement, we are not in a race to the bottom with Australia's workers; but rather, Mr. Speaker, we are sharing the best of what we make for our common advantage.

Given our shared values with the people of Australia, it only makes sense that we pass this agreement today. I urge my colleagues to do so.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that will treat Medicare-eligible citizens of Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands the same as low-income citizens in the 50 States and the District of Columbia with respect to the Medicare prescription drug transitional assistance program and, beginning in 2006, premium and cost-sharing subsidies under the national Medicare prescription drug program. I am joined by Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen of the Virgin Islands, Congressman Eni F. H. Faleomavaega of American Samoa and Resident Commissioner Anibal Acevedo-Vila of Puerto Rico as original co-sponsors of this legislation, which will provide health care equality to seniors in the insular areas with respect to the prescription drug benefit.

Currently, citizens of the insular areas contribute to the Medicare Trust Fund in the same manner as citizens in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. However, while the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) created a transitional assistance program authorizing up to $600 in prescription drug subsidies for individual low-income Medicare beneficiaries in both 2004 and 2005, the territories receive only a small Federal block grant ($35 million in aggregate for both years to cover an estimated 450,000 Medicare beneficiaries) to help defray the costs of implementing local prescription drug plans through their respective public health departments. While exact data is not available, it is estimated that beneficiaries in the insular areas will receive significantly less relief than their counterparts in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. The MMA also does not include citizens in the territories for the purposes of the full national prescription drug plan authorized for Medicare beneficiaries beginning on January 1, 2006. Again, a separate Federal block grant is allotted to the territories in lieu of full participation.

Citizens of the insular areas face greater challenges to accessing adequate health care and prescription drug services than citizens in the States and the District of Columbia. Transportation costs and smaller economies of scale increase the cost of prescription drugs available in these areas. Furthermore, the insular areas are home to many different minority groups, many of which are genetically disposed to certain illnesses. For example, African American, Hispanic and Pacific Island Americans are all genetically disposed to diabetes, which is particularly prevalent among the age 40-and-over category. Therefore, access to prescription drugs will, in addition to increasing the quality of life among citizens of the insular areas, help resolve other health disparities such as prevention and treatment of genetically-disposed illnesses.

My legislation recognizes that health care inequalities exist with respect to the treatment of citizens in the insular areas. It further recognizes that, in the case of the new transitional assistance and prescription drug programs authorized under the MMA, citizens of the insular areas pay into the Medicare Trust Fund in the same manner as citizens in the 50 States and the District of Columbia and should, therefore, receive parity with respect to benefits. The current protocol for block granting prescription drug funding to the insular areas will ensure that health care disparities will continue to exist in these areas. The best solution with regard to fairness and parity is to allow citizens of the territories to participate directly in these Federal prescription drug assistance programs.

My bill would ensure parity with respect to the application of the MMA in the insular areas by eliminating the current prescription drug block grant formula in favor of including low-income Medicare beneficiaries in Federal prescription drug assistance programs. Support for this legislation will ensure that all Americans receive the benefits to which they are entitled under the MMA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 410, which recognizes the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and expresses our nation's gratitude for our shared commitment to the principles of democracy and freedom.

Over the past 25 years and since attaining their independence as a sovereign nation, the RMI has emerged to become one of the greatest and most reliable democratic allies of the United States. Our special relationship with the RMI, embodied in the Compact of Free Association renewed last year, has helped fulfill the two principal U.S. objectives in the Western Pacific of forging strategic alliances and establishing democratic systems of government. The RMI was the first of the three former entities of the United Nations administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, to adopt their own Constitution and gain their independence. Their example and influence helped stabilize the Pacific Region and win the cold war.

For over 400 years, the people of the Marshall Islands were subjected to foreign and colonial control. The Spanish, the Germans, the Japanese, and the Americans all took control of the islands, named for English explorer John Marshall who visited the islands in 1799, at one time or another. Today, the people of the Marshall Islands strive to retain and preserve their identity and traditions. In many respects, they have been amazingly successful, even as they have faced and embraced the forces of Westernization and globalization. In January, I had the good fortune of visiting their beautiful country as a member of the Congressional Delegation led by Mr. Pombo, the Chairman of the House Resources Committee. While in Majuro, we met with President Kessai Note, as well as elected officials from Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap and Utrok. We also visited the U.S. Army's Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll, which is a testament to the strength and dependability of U.S.-RMI relations. With 40 years of cooperation, the Missile Test Site has provided a critical role in development and success of our nation's missile defense and space programs.

On Sunday, July 4th, this nation celebrated our freedom and democratic progress. It has now been 228 years since our founding fathers declared our nation's independence and our democratic form of government. As we reflect upon our democratic experiment and the values we cherish as Americans, it is also fitting that we recognize those who embrace these same values and freedoms. The United States has a proven and trusting friend in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. As we continue to build our relationship, let us work to resolve the remaining issues that the nuclear testing era brought for the benefit of our strategic partnership and special relationship.

I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Flake, and my good friend from American Samoa, Mr. Faleomavaega, for their leadership in introducing this resolution and for their firm commitment to sustaining and strengthening the friendship between the people of the United States and the people of the Marshall Islands. Lastly, I want to recognize and congratulate the Marshalls' Ambassador to the United States for his efforts in strengthening the relationship between our governments, the Honorable Banny de Brum. Si Yu'os Ma'ase and Komol tata.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Manzullo- Velazquez amendment to the fiscal year 2005 Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations Act and mainly to support small business.

This amendment will provide the necessary funding to maintain the integrity of the Small Business Administration's flagship small business lending mechanism, the 7(a) loan guarantee program.

Mr. Chairman, I represent the Territory of Guam, where 90 percent of our businesses are small businesses.

I applaud the bipartisan leadership demonstrated by our dynamic duo, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) and the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), in constructing this amendment; and I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on the committee, whether participating in hearings or writing letters or meeting with small business owners, so that we can today arrive at a consensus that reflects the needs of the small business community and the role of the Federal Government to help foster growth, innovation and jobs in this important economic sector.

The 7(a) loan guarantee program is a principal source of funding for small businesses, representing 30 percent of all long-term small business borrowing in the United States. Oftentimes, the 7(a) program is the only source for long-term financing on reasonable terms for small businesses, particularly those in poor, rural, and underserved areas. These small firms represent the future of our economy, as they account for 75 percent of all new jobs created in the United States.

Consider these statistics: the current Federal burden for supporting every $100 of a 7(a) loan is 60 cents. Statistics also show that a new job is created in the small business sector for every $33,000 of loans.

Mr. Chairman, that means that it costs the Federal Government only $198 to create an additional job for the economy through the 7(a) program. A Federal program that demonstrates this level of success should never, ever be cut back, but, rather, expanded.

Suspending Federal funding of the 7(a) program will result in an increased cost to small businesses, as banks will pass new costs on to their 7(a) customers in the form of higher fees.

There is also fear that some banks, particularly in poor, rural and underserved areas, will no longer see the incentive of offering 7(a) loans and will suspend this financing mechanism altogether. This will have the effect of halting both economic and job growth at a time, Mr. Chairman, when we are just beginning to recover from the recent economic downturn.

Recognizing the budget challenges this year, the Manzullo-Velazquez amendment modestly proposes to fund the Federal subsidy of the 7(a) program at fiscal year 2004 levels. It is also budget-neutral. This amendment is supported by Democrats and Republicans, by small business owners throughout the country and by banks that offer federally backed financing mechanisms.

Mr. Chairman, this is the right thing to do, and I hope my colleagues will vote in favor of the Manzullo-Velazquez amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Magdalena ``Maggie'' Santos Taitano, Familian Oncho, who passed away on June 17, 2004. I also extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to her family and friends.

Maggie was born on July 1, 1928. She was married to the late Guam Senator Richard Flores Taitano, and was mother to Taling Maria, Richard Jr., John Joseph, and Carmen Teresita. She was also a grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, auntie, godmother, and friend. A devoted mother and wife, Maggie was also a religious person who demonstrated her commitment to her community through her involvement in various civic organizations. She was active politically as well, and recognized the importance of protecting Guam's heritage and history for future generations.

This belief was reflected in her passion for the library sciences, an interest Maggie first developed while working in a library while still in high school. After graduating from George Washington High School in 1950, Maggie began working as a library assistant at the Guam Public Library. From there, Maggie pursued higher education, receiving a full scholarship to attend Mount Mary's Catholic College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she received her Bachelor's in business administration. She continued her studies at Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas, becoming the first Chamorro to earn a Master's degree in library sciences.

Maggie then returned home to begin a distinguished career in service to the people of Guam. In 1960, she became the first Chamorro Territorial Librarian of the Guam Public Library--later renamed the Nieves M. Flores Memorial Library. Some of her achievements included instituting the Summer Reading Program, the Saturday Storytelling Program, the Pacific Area Collections, and making the library more accessible to the community. Although Maggie retired in 1987, she could not stay away from the library for long, returning to serve part-time at the University of Guam's Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Library. She later transferred to the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) where she had a prominent role in putting together the papers of public officials, including those of my husband, the late Governor Ricardo Bordallo. It was fitting that in 1997, MARC was renamed the Richard F. Taitano Research Center in honor of the institution's creator, her late husband.

I have been blessed to also call Maggie a friend. We first knew each other in high school, and I was honored to be Godmother to her daughter Carmencita. Our husbands were also running mates in the 1970 Gubernatorial election, running on the slogan ``A New Day for Guam.'' I am deeply saddened by Maggie's passing, but know that she has left behind a legacy that will be treasured for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I, too, proudly rise today in support of H.R. 4345 and in support of all the veterans that stand to benefit from its passage.

I would like to thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown-Waite) for recognizing that veterans need help meeting the staggeringly high increases in the cost of buying their own home. And, Mr. Speaker, I would like to especially thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) for introducing her original legislation, H.R. 1735, which first brought attention to this issue last year by gathering 61 cosponsors of her proposal to increase the loan guarantee.

The old loan guarantee of $60,000, which provides a loan of $240,000, is not sufficient in Guam to meet the cost of buying a home, and I expect that this is also true in San Diego, Florida, and all over the United States. The new maximum amount in this legislation addresses this problem to help veterans secure the mortgage financing that they need.

I look forward to further opportunities to improve the benefits available to veterans, and urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. This will be such good news for our veterans across the Nation. On Guam, it will be particularly welcomed, since many of our veterans feel shortchanged when it comes to veterans' benefits. I strongly support H.R. 4345.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time.

The Senate has included a provision in their version of this legislation that uses an offset derived from closing a loophole in residency requirements for filing taxes in the U.S. Territories to fund Green Bonds.

Given that this issue has been addressed by the House in other legislation, I hope that the House will take the position that this offset should be used instead to help the U.S. Territories with the unfunded federal mandate of the earned income credit, and I hope he can help us with this provision.

I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his response.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend, the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for yielding.

As has been stated, the Office of Insular Affairs has proposed a new competitive grant formula for capital improvement grants that derive from a reprogramming of funds authorized under Public Law 94-241. I commend the Department for addressing the capital infrastructure needs of the Territories and in proposing a formula whereby grants can be increased or reduced depending upon each Territory's performance through evaluation on proposed criteria for financial management and improved accountability.

Mr. Chairman, I note that the committee report on this provision indicates the Secretary may use discretion to modify the funding formula to address appropriately court-ordered infrastructure projects in the respective Territories.

In the case of Guam, I would note for the record that the government of Guam is under a consent order for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in the amount of $200 million to comply with the Clean Water Act and also under a second court order to close the Ordot landfill at a cost of $30 million to remedy additional violations of the Clean Water Act.

Given these circumstances, is it the committee's intent that the Secretary should consider these court orders in determining allocations for the infrastructure grants?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ronald Reagan--a beloved President who changed America and the world.

I first want to express my deepest condolences to Former First Lady Nancy Reagan and the Reagan family. An entire nation shares your sadness over the loss of our former President; a man of humble beginnings who rose to capture our hearts and minds, our hopes, and our aspirations.

Ronald Reagan embodied the spirit of what it means to be an American. As much as he was a leader of the people, he was also a product of the people, which helped him to relate with people from all different backgrounds. He was born to a working family in a small rural town, and brought up to respect traditional values such as family, hard work, God and country. Blessed with an unmistakably entrepreneurial spirit, he set out to pursue the American Dream.

Ronald Reagan lived through and endured tremendous economic hardship during the Great Depression. Despite these challenges, he put himself through college by earning a scholarship, washing dishes, waiting tables, all while sending some of his earnings home to his parents to help support his family. His strong character was forged by hard work.

Driven by the belief that all people should be able to live freely, Ronald Reagan joined the American people and the world community to rally against the tyrannical oppression of the Axis powers and to defeat Nazism in Europe. United behind the many brave soldiers fighting for freedom in Europe and the Pacific, Ronald Reagan volunteered his talents to create instructional videos critical to the training of Army recruits during World War II. A staunch defender of freedom and democracy, Ronald Reagan would, after the defeat of the Axis powers, turn his attention to vanquishing from the world another threat to liberty: Communism.

Ronald Reagan began his political ascendancy in 1966 during his campaign for Governor of California. He would go on to win the first of two terms as California's governor before reaching the White House in 1980. His conservatism appealed to many across political and cultural lines. We will always remember his optimism and confidence in America's future.

From ``sea to shining sea,'' President Reagan, recognized the importance and value of every individual and every community to our country's strength. On two separate occasions, President Reagan visited Guam, America's most distant Territory. On these occasions, I had the honor of hosting President Reagan as First Lady of Guam along with my husband Governor Ricky Bordallo, experiences I remember fondly. Donning ``island-wear'' rather than more formal business attire, President Reagan was approachable and personable and put those around him at ease. His charm and grace left a lasting impression on those he came into contact with. He was as genuine and real in person as he was behind the podium or in front of the camera.

He recognized the importance of Guam in promoting American values in the region, calling our island ``America's flagship in the western Pacific.'' President Reagan declared: ``It's said that it's here on Guam each morning that the Sun first casts its rays upon the Stars and Stripes. Well, my friends, I can't think of a more beautiful way for America's day to begin.'' While these words are recorded in history, it is the grace and sincerity with which he delivered those words that are remembered by the people of Guam.

The outpouring of love and affection President Reagan has received from family, friends and the entire American family is a testament to his life and all of those he touched. Through courage, clarity and compassion, he led the people of this great nation and the entire world from the perils of the Cold War to the hope of liberty, freedom and dignity. His spirit will continue to live in the hearts and minds of all of us for whom he dedicated his life of public service. The advent of freedom in the former Soviet Bloc and the spread of democracy throughout the world will forever be linked to his famous challenge, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!'' On behalf of myself and the people of Guam, I want to say ``Adios, esta ki.'' Goodbye until we meet again.

This citation is presented to Gunnery Sergeant Vincent C. Santiago, a native of Merizo, Guam, for his promotion to the rank of First Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps.

Gunnery Sergeant Santiago is the son of Joseph and Mary Santiago of Merizo, Guam. He is married to the former Selma D. Reyes, daughter of Peter and Josephine Reyes, also from Merizo. Vincent and Selma have three children, Vincent Jr., PeterJoe, and Serresa.

Sergeant Santiago entered the United States Marine Corps in September 1989, graduating from boot camp in San Diego, California, with a meritorious promotion to the rank of Private First Class. After completing his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training at the School of Infantry as a 0341 Mortar man, he was assigned to Marine Barracks Guam as a Marine Security Guard where he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in August 1990. Seven months later, in March 1991, he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal, eventually receiving orders to 3rd Battalion 5th Marines at Camp Pendleton, California.

In 1993, Gunnery Sergeant Santiago moved to Maintenance Management, where he became the Battalion's Maintenance Management Chief and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. After completing Drill Instructor School at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, he was assigned to Company ``A'', 1st Recruit Training Battalion.

Among his many accomplishments, Gunnery Sergeant Santiago has received the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of third award and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal in lieu of fourth award. In addition, Gunnery Sergeant Santiago was also Marine of the Quarter in March 1991 while stationed at Marine Barracks, Guam, and selected as Drill Instructor of the Quarter for the 1st Recruit Training Battalion in March 1996. He is also certified in the Marine Corp Martial Arts Program as an Instructor Trainer, 1st Degree Black Belt.

Gunnery Sergeant Santiago is the Drill Master at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He will receive his promotion to First Sergeant on June 1, 2004, upon completion of his current tour of duty. He will then report to the 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, for duty as Company First Sergeant where I am confident he will continue to serve with honor and distinction.

Gunnery Sergeant Santiago's career reflects the courage and determination of the Chamorro people. We are very proud of our native son. On behalf of the people of Guam, I want to congratulate Gunnery Sergeant Santiago and his family on his accomplishments, and extend our gratitude for his service to our island and our country.

Mr. Speaker, this year is the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam in 1944 by the U. S. Armed Forces headed by United States Marines. The highlight of Guam's calendar of anniversary activities ever since has been the Liberation Day parade on Marine Drive in downtown Hagatna, the capital of Guam.

Here in the nation's capital, the anniversary is traditionally observed with the Member of Congress from Guam placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns, accompanied by government officials, civilian and military.

This year, I had the honor of hosting this memorable event which had an added dimension. It was attended by about 100 special guests--Marine veterans of World War 11 and members of their families. Also present were sons and daughters of Guam living in the region.

As members of the 5th Field Service Depot, these veterans either participated in the liberation of Guam or served Guam during the reconstruction period following liberation. Their pride in their role in the recapture and reconstruction of Guam is a source of great inspiration to us. Their devotion to Guam, as manifested in their establishment of an academic scholarship for a Guamanian student, is one of their touching gestures--from the liberators to the liberated.

On the eve of the dedication of the National World War II Memorial, it is my privilege to enter the names of those Marines and Navy Corpsmen, present here today with their families and friends, in the Congressional Record of this, the House of the people of the United States: Al and Jo Aniello; Sue Barke; Armin and Lois Barth; Bish Bischoff, John and Josie Boertlein; Sandy and Dolores Bompiedi; Art Boston; Lisa Botteri; Bill Buckner; Connie Burrell; Mrs. Frank Carroll; Joe and Terry Ciecierski; Maury Claus; Christna Clausen; Florence Cottone; Cal Dart; Ed and Dot Demm; Frank and Irene Derose; Ed and Mimi Disch; Chuck Doss; Darrell and Evelyn Doss.

Lee Edwards; Fran Feiner; Lillian Feiner; Ken Freck; Arnie and Helen Gasparetti; Mrs.

Evan Geroux; Robert and Marie Gray; Walt and Madeleine Grisevich; Barrett Hackney; Christopher Hackney; Nick and Jayne Hasenflu; Ben and Dee Heath; Don and Barb Hehir; Maury and Dorothy Henderson; Fen Holmes; Elsa House; Lewis and Annella Howlett.

Bill and Willeen Hutchins; Les and Mary Jehnke; Mrs. John King; Betty Kostman; Mrs. Robert Larson; Joe and Ruth Laur; Ernie and Lynn Lee; Frank and Helen Lindsay; Rich and Eileen Little; Roy and Barb Manis; Bill and Roman Mathews; Matty and Barb Matthews; Bob Mcowan; Budd and Ginger Melanson; Ski Nalewanski; Keith Neuman; Harry Ozenbaugh; Mike and Elain Papas; Jake and Viv Plank; Dave Resenthal; Louise Sims; Rabbit and Delna Stefanow; Marge Storing; Doc and Bev Tibbitts; Jude Tonkin; Donna Trotter; Kyle Trotter; Mrs. William Wolfe; Wally and Joan Yandel.

We on Guam know what freedom is because we also know what occupation is. We celebrate Liberation Day on Guam every year as the day of deliverance from enemy occupation and the return of freedom after 32 months of enemy subjugation. We know what it means to thank Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and Airmen for their sacrifices because it was not all that long ago that we were an occupied land. On this Memorial Day, 2004, as we gather in the heart of democracy to honor the greatest generation we on Guam, fellow Americans, would like to add our humble gratitude to the veterans of the 5th Field Service Depot who have returned to help us recall the sacrifices of liberation and renew our love of freedom. God Bless America. God Bless Guam. God Bless the United States Marine Corps.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to correct an anomaly in the treatment of the Federal blue-collar workforce in Guam by providing for parity in their wage schedules and rates. These are the wage schedules issued under the Federal Wage System, the uniform pay-setting system Congress established by law in 1972 for Federal ``prevailing rate employees'' who are paid based upon an hourly rate (P.L. 92-392).

Administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Federal Wage System is designed to ensure that pay rates for Federal trade, craft, and laboring employees are in line with prevailing levels of pay for comparable levels of work in the private sector within a local wage area. The system is also meant to eliminate inequities that would otherwise occur within the Federal Government and between the various agencies employing citizens in a local wage area.

OPM has designated the Department of Defense (DoD) as the lead agency for establishing the pay rates and issuing all wage schedules. OPM has currently defined 131 appropriated fund and 125 non-appropriated fund

local wage areas within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Schedules and rates are developed for each wage area based upon a survey conducted by DoD. OPM regulation however provides that a separate schedule shall be issued for Guam with rates identical to those used for prevailing rate employees in foreign areas. Regulation also provides that the rates for foreign areas shall be an average of all wage area rates set by OPM for the United States. Under these circumstances, the prevailing rate employees in Guam are treated no differently in terms of their pay rates than if they were working in a foreign area (outside the United States). This is a matter of concern to me which I am seeking to address with the introduction of this legislation.

Guam's unique economic conditions, given its geographical isolation and the fact that it is a high cost of living area, have placed the hard working prevailing rate employees in Guam at an unfair disadvantage when compared to those that are employed in an OPM-defined local wage area. Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, unlike Guam, are each currently defined to be their own separate wage areas and benefit from wage schedules that take into account their economic situation and cost of living environment. Guam should be treated no differently and have a wage schedule that reflects the cost of living and the level of pay for government-wage-grade-equivalent jobs in the private sector.

Therefore I have introduced this bill to provide equitable treatment for Guam, not by directing OPM to establish a separate wage area for Guam but by simply applying the same rates used for the State of Hawaii, which sustains a similar island economy with most comparable trades and blue-collar workforces.

It is generally understood that the reason Guam has been issued a separate schedule each year by regulation and has not been defined as a separate wage area, is that the number of comparable positions in Guam's private industry may be insufficient under the current standards to warrant its own wage survey and designation as a separate wage area. In passing the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, Congress required DoD, when establishing wage schedules and rates for prevailing rate employees, to consider rates paid for comparable positions in private industry in the nearest wage area that is most similar to the wage area for which wage rates are being established when there are insufficient positions in the local industry upon which to establish wage schedules and rates (Sec. 1113 of P.L. 107-107). The legislation I am introducing today is consistent with this intent.

This bill would greatly enhance the economic viability of the prevailing rate employees in Guam, is in the public interest, and is, in my opinion, in conformance with the goal of the Federal Wage System. This is a sensible policy proposal that would ensure regional equity in wage rates. I look forward to working with OPM, DoD, the House Committee on Government Reform, and the House Committee on Armed Services, in addressing the concern over the current inequity and treatment of Guam under the Federal Wage System that this bill seeks to correct.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the senior citizens of Guam who are celebrating a special month dedicated in their honor. I stand to commend and show appreciation for all they have contributed to our island of Guam, its people, and our Nation as a whole. I rise to pay tribute to them for teaching and imparting to our people a sense of patriotism and unwavering loyalty to this great Nation and American Democracy.

Guam's senior citizens lived through the horrific experience of World War II on the only American soil occupied by an enemy force. Through it all, the people of Guam never lost faith in America. Always defiant and proud, their solemn hymn was ``Uncle Sam, won't you please come back to Guam.'' After the war, these proud Americans taught their children a love of democracy and freedom that carried them through battlefields in the Korean War, the Vietnam conflict, the Persian Gulf and now, the global war on terrorism.

With this deep love of freedom and country, Guam's seniors were always the pillars of our island community. Through them the beautiful Chamorro culture is passed on to younger generations. They keep our island traditions, our language, and our ways of life alive and vibrant. They have taught our children the love of nature, the love of God and the love of family and neighbor and in so doing, ensure that our heritage will survive.

Mr. Speaker, I honor the seniors of Guam, proud citizens who have participated in the growth of Guam as a showcase of American democracy in the Pacific. May every American remember and give honor to the forefathers who shaped this wonderful country and who were the architects and builders of a nation founded in the love of freedom and the inalienable rights of humanity. During this month dedicated to seniors, let us all honor these great Americans and say ``thank you.''