Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of relations between the United States of America and Japan. One hundred and fifty years ago, Commodore Perry opened the doors of a country and started a relationship that would eventually grow into an alliance between two of the largest economies in today's world. A country which had largely isolated itself from the rest of the world, Japan, in a very short span of a century and a half, now has a strong international presence as a strong ally of the United States and advocate for freedom and democracy in the world.

Today, America and Japan enjoy strong trade relations, economies that support each other, and equally as important, social and cultural ties that bridge the Pacific Ocean and span differences in languages and custom. The alliance between Japan and America is strong and stable. We both fiercely defend freedom and democracy and we both promote human rights in the world.

The friendship between America and Japan is magnified and continually strengthened by its peoples and their willingness to work with each other for the common goal of improving the quality of life for all citizens of the world. Both America and Japan freely extend helping hands to each other and to the most needy of the world. Both America and Japan use their combined economic might to cure disease, feed the hungry and explore the unknown in search of greater knowledge and resources.

In these efforts certain citizens of both of our great nations shine and become role models for all of other citizens to emulate. Dr. Hiro Kurashina is such a man. Motivated by the desire to make a better future by learning from the past, Dr. Kurashina, a native of Japan, has devoted many years to the development of the Micronesian Area Research Center, the premier archive and repository of the history of the Pacific Islands and its people. Dr. Kurashina's work has helped to ensure that the story of the islands will always be preserved and promoted among its peoples and shared with the world.

Through these efforts, Dr. Kurashina has created a strong bond between Japan and the islands of Micronesia and through his efforts, the University of Guam has become an active participant in the growth of knowledge about this region and its people. Dr. Kurashina has contributed greatly to making the University of Guam a valuable resource for Guam, Micronesia, and the world at large.

I consider it an honor to take this opportunity to praise Dr. Kurashina for his work and to thank him for all that he has done for our islands and people and all that he has done to continue the strengthening of the bonds between Japan, America and the islands of the Pacific.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to join my colleague from Kansas (Mr. Ryun) in offering an amendment to improve military education exchanges between Taiwan and the United States. Given our commitment to ensure the peaceful settlement of differences between Taiwan and mainland China, it only makes sense that we remind the Chinese at every possible opportunity that war is not an option. By hosting Taiwanese military officers and by sending our own military leadership to Taiwan, we reinforce the bonds of friendship and defense.

The opportunity for dialogue between military planners provided in this amendment will help the Taiwanese Government to have a good net assessment of the strategic situation in the Taiwan Straits.

It is my fervent hope that these military exchanges will also provide a boost to civil-military relations between our two nations. Our model of civilian control of the military within a democratic society is one that Taiwan has truly adopted as its own. Other nations in the region could benefit from the stability of such a system.

Given Guam's proximity to Taiwan, it is a logical place to host these military exchanges. Andersen Air Force Base and the Command Naval Headquarters Marianas have excellent conference and training facilities. The Department of Defense has identified knowledge of submarine operations as a key improvement area for the Taiwanese military. Given that forces from Guam, including our home-ported submarines, would be involved in any joint operations with Taiwan, it only makes sense that we work closely together.

So I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, which is an expression of our friendship with the people of Taiwan.

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

I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 424, introduced by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg). This timely resolution honors the men and women who serve in uniform and calls on all Americans to recognize the sacrifices of those who have given their lives to protect our freedom by wearing a red poppy on Memorial Day, May 30.

In 2 weeks, our Nation will observe Memorial Day. Sadly, the true meaning of Memorial Day seems to have faded over the years, and for many young Americans, Memorial Day is often seen as just another holiday or the beginning of summer. This is sad and unfortunate as Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who have died in service, defending our Nation.

The resolution before us honors those who have given their lives in service to their country and encourages Americans to wear a red poppy on Memorial Day.

A number of people have asked, ``Why wear a red poppy?'' The red poppy grew abundantly in the battlefields of World War I, and it was the inspiration for several poems at the time, including such notable poems as ``Flanders Fields,'' written by John McCrae in May, 1915, and a poem by Moina Michael, entitled ``We Shall Keep the Faith,'' written in November, 1918.

The first Poppy Day was held in England on November 11, 1921, and since that time, the red poppy has been a

symbol of sacrifice. For over 80 years, the red poppy has been worn to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to raise money to help our disabled veterans.

A poem attributed to Don Crawford entitled, ``Why Wear a Poppy'' captures the significance of this special flower, and I would like to read the poem for the Record.

Why Wear a Poppy

``Please wear a poppy,'' the lady said

And held one forth, but I shook my head.

Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,

And her face was old and lined with care,

But beneath the scars the years had made

There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came whistling down the street,

Bouncing along on care-free feet.

His smile was full of joy and fun,

``Lady,'' said he ``May I have one?''

When she pinned it on he turned to say,

``Why do we wear a poppy, today?''

The lady smiled in her wistful way,

And answered ``This is Remembrance Day,

And the poppy there is the symbol for

The gallant men and women who died in war,

And because they did, you and I are free,

That's why we wear a poppy, you see.

I had a boy about your size,

With golden hair and big blue eyes.

He loved to play and jump and shout,

Free as a bird he would race about.

As the years went by he learned and grew

And became a man--as you will too.

He was fine and strong with a boyish smile,

But he'd seemed with us such a little while

When war broke out and he went away.

I still remember his face that day.

When he smiled at me and said `Good-bye,

I'll soon be back, Mom, so please don't cry.'

But the war went on and he had to stay,

All I could do was wait and pray.

His letters told of the awful fight,

(I can see it still in my dreams at night.)

With the tanks and guns and the cruel barbed wire,

And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.

Till at last, the war was won,

And that's why we wear a poppy, son.''

The small boy turned as if to go,

Then said, ``Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know.

That sure did sound like an awful fight.

But your son, did he come back all right?''

A tear rolled down each faded cheek,

She shook her head, but didn't speak.

I slunk away in a sort of shame,

And if you were me you'd have done the same,

For our thanks in giving, is oft delayed,

Though our freedom was bought, and thousands paid,

And so when we see a poppy worn,

Let us reflect on the burden borne

By those who gave their very all

And asked to answer their country's call,

That we at home in peace might live.

Then wear a poppy. Remember--and give!''

Mr. Speaker, this Memorial Day each hometown across America will pause to remember the heroes of this generation as well as those of the past. Let us honor and pay tribute to the over 900 American service members who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with all those who die in service to their Nation.

On Guam, we have lost three young men in Iraq: Specialist Christopher Wesley, Lieutenant Michael Vega, and Sergeant Eddie Chen. One officer, two enlisted men. Wesley, Vega and Chen, these three, are a microcosm of the American people, one Western name, one Hispanic name, and one Asian name.

In these troubled times, it is worth reflecting on Memorial Day who we are as a Nation and what values we stand for. We are a Nation of immigrants whose parents and grandparents have come to these shores seeking individual liberty, prosperity and human dignity. The Nation we call our own is a Nation of compassion and justice. It is a Nation worth dying for. It is a Nation of opportunity and freedom.

We on Guam know what freedom is all about because we also know what occupation is. We celebrate Liberation Day on Guam every year as the day of deliverance of enemy occupation and the return of freedom after 32 months of enemy subjugation. We know what it means to thank Marines, soldiers, airmen and sailors for their sacrifices because it was not all that long ago that we were an occupied land.

Tomorrow, I will be accompanying former Congressman General Ben Blaz, the veterans of the 5th Field Service Depot of the United States Marine Corps to Arlington National Cemetery. We will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to express our deep appreciation to all those who serve and have served our Nation in uniform. We thank them, honor them, and will never forget them.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel), but first thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Schrock) for his very kind words.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt).

Mr. Speaker, I would like to go on record to thank the gentleman from North Carolina. I pass those posters every day on my way to my office. I think it is a wonderful tribute that he is paying to the men and women in service who have lost their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), ranking member of the Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of my colleagues who spoke in support of this resolution. Each of us will have a chance to spend some time with veterans from our districts on Memorial Day.

We know we owe them more than words for their service, but the words spoken here today came from the heart. And I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the liberators of Guam and all of our cherished veterans and outstanding servicemen and women in uniform.

I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg), the author; the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Schrock); and I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 3722, a bill that presents more questions than answers about providing efficient and effective health care treatment to undocumented immigrants.

I share the concern about lapses in our country's immigration program, and I support measures such as biometric visas and other advanced technologies to more accurately control who enters our country. However, I am very concerned about this particular legislation, as I fear that it will serve only to undermine the efficiency and effectiveness of our public health system with little benefit to our Border Protection Services.

Mr. Speaker, we are talking about health here. The reason that I hesitate to support H.R. 3722 is twofold. First, funding was included in last year's Medicare reform act for the simple purpose of assisting State and local health authorities to cover the cost of providing health services to illegal immigrants.

This provision demonstrates both our Nation's compassion by ensuring public health to all walks of life and also its commitment to providing our medical community with the necessary resources to do their jobs. Adding more regulatory and financial burdens, such as those outlined in H.R. 3722, will increase costs.

Secondly, I am concerned that immigration paperwork will either prevent or delay critical health care services to immigrants in general. Documentation can be dealt with after immediate medical procedures are rendered. Because of these concerns, I urge my colleagues not to support H.R. 3722.

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

I rise in support of House Resolution 608 introduced by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Forbes). I would like to recognize the gentleman for his work and interest in ensuring that our military service members stationed overseas are afforded the right to vote.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the gentlwoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) and the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), who joined with me in cosponsoring House Resolution 608. The postal service is an integral part of the American existence and something that we often take for granted. To the men and women in uniform serving overseas, however, it is a vital connection to home, and they treasure the ability to send and receive packages and letters.

This resolution, Mr. Speaker, draws attention to the continuing problem of ensuring that members of the Armed Forces stationed overseas have access to mail and that they will be able to send in their election ballots in a timely manner. It would be a real shame if our servicemen and women who are fighting to bring democracy to places like Afghanistan and Haiti were themselves denied the opportunity to cast their own vote in November due to a postal delay.

The 2000 Presidential election brought to the Nation's attention the voting barriers that service members and other Americans stationed or living overseas face in the electoral process. Service members living and deployed abroad often find it difficult to exercise their right to vote. Problems with mail delivery, requirements for valid ballots, and just obtaining information is a serious challenge, particularly for those who may be deployed on a submarine for 6 months or are stationed in remote areas around the world.

To ensure that voting rights of service members and Americans serving and living abroad were protected, Congress implemented a number of improvements to the voting process several years ago. The law was changed to improve the system and enhance the opportunity for overseas service members to participate in the electoral process. For example, clarification was provided on voting assistance programs; annual reviews of the effectiveness and compliance by the Department of Defense Inspector General are required; the importance of voting assistance officers was stressed; military personnel have been afforded guaranteed residency; voter registration and absentee ballot application procedures were simplified; and authority for service members to use a single application for all subsequent elections was provided.

However, Mr. Speaker, this year's annual review by the Department of Defense Inspector General found that while improvements have been made, opportunities exist to improve the DOD voting assistance program. The IG found that the Services need to continue to provide command emphasis and improve oversight of the program, as problems still remain.

The General Accounting Office, or more commonly referred to as GAO, also recently conducted a review of the mail delivery to troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and found that while some improvements have been made, many, many of the same difficulties the mail system faced during the first Gulf War, over a decade ago, still exist today. For example, GAO found that problems still exist in conducting joint service mail operations and that inadequate training and late deployments, as well as inadequate postal facilities, equipment, and transportation, have had an adverse impact on the delivery of mail. My constituents often have particular difficulty getting mail delivered as the regular service to Guam is lengthy and erratic. In the field there is often confusion as to whether Guam is included in domestic mail rates, which of course it is.

I had one soldier e-mail me from Iraq, telling me he was made to pay for postage while everyone else was able to mail for free. These are the kinds of inconsistencies that the military postal service should examine and rectify.

While challenges still remain for overseas and military voters, it is interesting to note that absentee service members consistently vote at a higher rate than those eligible in the United States. However, it is vitally important that we ensure that those who volunteer to serve our Nation in uniform are able to exercise one of their most basic rights, and that, Mr. Speaker, is the right to vote.

As a member of the Total Force Subcommittee, I also want to reassure my colleagues that the subcommittee shares the concerns that are raised in this resolution, and we will address these issues in the defense authorization that will be marked up tomorrow.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I wish at this time to urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 608. I do want to take this opportunity to thank the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Forbes) for sponsoring this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to recognize the great contributions of Asian and Pacific Island Americans to our Nation. I, too, as the previous speaker said, am very proud to represent the territory of Guam in the Pacific, and I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda), the chairman, for his sterling leadership. Ever since I have come to Congress, I have noted he is out there working hard for the Asian Pacific recipients and the representatives from the various areas, as has the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), the vice chair of the Asian Pacific American Caucus. I thank them for their efforts on behalf of our communities.

Asian and Pacific Islanders are contributing in every aspect of American life, from business to education, government, public relations, the military, sports, entertainment and the arts. In each of these professions, we find prominent Asian and Pacific Islander Americans making their mark. The late congresswoman, Mrs. Patsy Mink, was a champion of women's rights and

a leader in social justice who worked tirelessly to provide opportunity to the poor and disenfranchised. Today her legacy lives on and inspires many to remain strong in their convictions.

With her award-winning book, ``A Single Shard,'' children's author and Korean American, Linda Sue Park, has instilled important lessons of honesty, integrity, hard work, and perseverance in millions of children.

My predecessors, the Congressmen Antonio Won Pat, Ben Blaz, and Robert Underwood, faithfully served the people of Guam; and they have served as an inspiration to a generation of Chamorros.

Our communities have embraced America as our new homeland, and our unique cultures have survived and continued to thrive because America has come to know and appreciate how our contributions have enriched our Nation.

Today, as we celebrate ``Freedom For All, a Nation We Call Our Own,'' and as our military operations to win the war against terrorism continue to hold national attention, we are reminded of the sacrifices made to ensure our freedom. No one can doubt the patriotism of Asians and Pacific Islanders who have served this country with pride and distinction, and many without the benefit of citizenship.

Let us honor the 21 Asian American World War II veterans from the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team who were awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism and bravery on the battlefield.

I especially want to remember those who have given their lives to protect our freedom, including Army Specialist Christopher Wesley, Lieutenant Michael Vega, and Sergeant Eddie Chen, soldiers from Guam who were killed in Iraq. We are saddened by their deaths, but their courage is an inspiration to all of us.

This year the people of Guam will be commemorating the 60th anniversary of our liberation from enemy occupation by U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. As the only American territory with a civilian population occupied by the enemy during World War II, they risked their lives to protect American soldiers from capture and endured great hardship and suffering. I want to recognize the people of Guam for their steadfast loyalty during these trying times.

As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us remember and honor all of the contributions of Asian Pacific Islanders. Let us appreciate the cultural diversity, the patriotism, and the communities that make our Nation so great.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that would protect the credit histories of consumers residing in areas where damages caused by a disaster impede the efficient payment of debts. My bill would provide an important safeguard for individuals living in disaster-prone regions in order to ensure that their financial histories are not adversely affected by an inability to make prompt payments during and in the immediate aftermath of a Federally Declared Disaster Area.

I am concerned that public law does not provide a consistent legal means for consumers to rectify credit discrepancies occurring during a period in which their residence was included in a Federally Declared Disaster

Area as defined by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. While I understand that many financial institutions do institute voluntary programs to give such customers reasonable flexibility in making payments, I also understand that these policies are not required nor are they uniform. Additionally, even where voluntary policies are instituted on the part of financial institutions, inevitably some mistakes will be made. The process of reconciling a credit report is often very difficult and time consuming, and disaster victims already face enough burdens during the recovery process.

The Federal Disaster Consumer Protection Act will assist victims of a disaster by allowing for a 7-day grace period beginning on the date on which the disaster area is declared. If the due date on a payment falls on 1 of those 7 days, an affected consumer would be able to request that any adverse credit report as a result of a late payment be removed from his or her credit history. To prevent abuse, the consumer would had to have made his or her account current within 30 days of the due date in order to exercise this protection. This legislation would also give the Secretary of the Treasury discretion to extend the grace period if he or she sees fit.

My bill proposes minimal standards that should not be a burden on those responsible financial institutions that already have a fair policy for dealing with consumers adversely impacted by a disaster. While I do believe that financial institutions should implement fair policies with regard to bank fees and other penalties for late payment during a disaster, my bill does not impose any new regulations with regard to these issues. The sole purpose of this legislation is to protect the consumer's credit. Support for this legislation will help reduce the risk of inaccurate credit reporting impeding the financial recovery of already vulnerable consumers residing in a Federally Declared Disaster Area.

Mr. Speaker, this citation is presented to Soroptimist International of Guam and Soroptimist International of the Marianas on the occasion of the Soroptimist International of the Americas Founder Region Annual Conference from April 30 through May 2, 2004 on Guam.

Soroptimist International is the world's largest classified volunteer service organization for women in business, management, and professions with over 3,000 clubs having approximately 100,000 members in 127 countries. Its ``Founder Region'', composed of national clubs hailing from the entire Pacific Rim, is so called because the first Soroptimist club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. Its counterparts on Guam and the Marianas were founded in 1978 and 1986, respectively.

The Soroptimist of the Founder Region has undertaken important steps to assist women in their professional careers and personal lives. Thus, the Founder Region Fellowship offers fellowships and grants to women enrolled in graduate schools within the bounds of Founder Region who are in the last year of their doctoral studies. Furthermore, Soroptimist International of the Marianas and Soroptimist International of Guam in 1997 adopted its long term identifying project ``Erica's House--A Family Visitation Center'', designed to be a support service for parents and children in need of visitation and exchange services.

For the first time since 1975, when the annual meeting of the Founder Region was initiated, the conference is being hosted by Soroptimist International of Guam and Soroptimist International of the Marianas. The conference will hold the region's annual board, fellowship and business meetings, elect a new board and present the Fellowship, Women's Opportunity and Violet Richardson awards. Apart from having the privilege of welcoming the member clubs of the Founder Region, the conference is also important to Guam because one of the six women vying for a top three slot in the Women's Opportunity Awards, Tricia Alconaba, is a native and resident of Guam.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I want to congratulate the Soroptimist International of Guam and Soroptimist International of the Marianas for the important work they have achieved since their establishment, and extend our gratitude for their dedicated service to our island and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the late Sgt. Yihjyh ``Eddie'' L. Chen who was killed on April 4 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Baghdad, Iraq.

Sgt. Chen was born in Taiwan on July 7, 1972 to Chen-Pin Chen and Yu- Meei Chen. His parents immigrated to Saipan and later to Guam where Sgt. Chen was planning to return. He has three brothers, Chi-Chong Wang, Chi-Hong Wang, and Sgt. I-Chia ``Virgil'' Chen, and a sister, Mei-Chuang Wang.

Sgt. Chen graduated from Marianas High School in 1990 and went on to serve as a police officer in the Northern Marianas Department of Public Safety until he joined the Army in January 2000.

Sgt. Chen will be remembered by those close to him as a bright, hard- working friend who was always ready to offer his assistance to those in need. America will remember him for his courage and commitment to our country. He has made the ultimate sacrifice. He is our hero.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I want to extend our deepest condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Chen and their family on the loss of their beloved son, brother, uncle, friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4062, which will temporarily resolve the funding shortage for the Small Business Administration's 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program and ease the resulting financial burden that has been placed on small businesses. H.R. 4062 is the product of bi-partisan collaboration, and I commend Chairman Manzullo and Ranking Member Velazquez for working together to create a sound public policy response to this crisis for small businesses. I also thank the House Leadership on both sides of the aisle for responding promptly and positively.

The 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program is the Small Business Administration's flagship financing program, which accounts for 30 percent of all small business long-term loans in this country.

On February 11th of this year, the Small Business Committee held a hearing on the Administration's proposed Fiscal Year 2005 Budget for the Small Business Administration. At that hearing, small business owners from a diverse array of geographical areas and engaged in a variety of different industries testified that the financial crisis at the SBA 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program caused them undue hardship. Most indicated that the failure to access 7(a) Loans on more reasonable terms would preclude their respective companies from gaining access to the capital necessary to ensure survival. In the case of one small business owner who testified about his company's proposed project, the mayor of the city in which the company's site would be built accompanied him to Washington. The mayor spelled out exactly what was at stake for his economically distressed community; the opportunity to revive the local economy and provide new jobs, or the prospect of further decay and desperation.

H.R. 4062 lifts temporary caps on 7(a) loans that were instituted in order to respond to its financial crisis. It will again allow for 7(a) loans to be included in larger financial packages, and provide working capital for export activities of small businesses. This is a step in the right direction, and I hope that Congress will follow the model of H.R. 4062 in addressing the long-term health of a 7(a) program that is so important to small businesses, which are incubators of economic and job growth in our communities.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4062.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) for managing this bill today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2993, a bill that will authorize the United States Mint to circulate quarter dollar coins depicting an important design representative of the District of Columbia and each respective United States territory.

Guam has long sought to be represented on the back of the quarter dollar coin in the same manner as the States do. And I guess I will say, Mr. Speaker, that perseverance does pay off eventually. It has been many years, and I thank the gentlewoman from District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), as well as the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. King), and the ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), for their leadership in guiding this legislation to the floor today.

This legislation was championed by the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle). The Commemorative Coin Act was passed in 1997 authorizing the minting of 50 commemorative coin designs representing the unique culture and history of each respective State. The intention was to foster pride amongst citizens of each State, greater appreciation for the diversity of our Nation, and instill a sense of national unity. While this program has been a true success, I am pleased that we now come together to ensure that the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are equally recognized.

H.R. 2993 will help educate the public that the territories are recognized as being part of the United States, in addition to guaranteeing that our Nation's own capital city is honored. Many people are confused as to the relationship of Guam and the territories to the United States of America. By authorizing United States currency representative of the territories, we can educate our country and the world about the vast reach of our Nation and foster a better understanding about its culture and ethnic diversity.

Guam has a rich and patriotic history, and I support any effort that generates more interest in learning about our islands. Guam is an island approximately 3,500 miles southwest of Hawaii and is the southernmost island of the Marianas chain. With a population of 160,000, the island of Guam is home to two of the Nation's most important and strategic military bases, the Navy's COMNAVMAR base and Andersen Air Force Base. Natives of Guam, or Chamorros, are proud of their unique cultural heritage.

Guam has always been a true melting pot since it was first traversed by Europeans upon the arrival of Magellan in the early 16th century. After serving for centuries as a major stop-off point along the Spanish galleon trade route, Guam was ceded to the United States in 1898 after the defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American War. Since that time, Guam has served as an important gateway to the Pacific and an important center for commerce and cultural exchange between the United States and Asia.

During World War II, Guam was occupied by Japanese imperial forces from 1941 to 1944. However, citizens of Guam proudly and defiantly affirmed their patriotism to the United States.

When American forces arrived in 1944 in its push to win the war in the Pacific, patriots of Guam boarded small boats and paddled out to Navy warships volunteering to join forces to defeat the Japanese. Our island was liberated by the United States Marines and soldiers on July 21, 1944; and soon after, Congress granted United States citizenship to the people of Guam.

It is important to the people on Guam to gain greater recognition as being part of the United States of America. Guamanians have fought valiantly in every American conflict since being incorporated into the United States. Guam had the highest per capita number of deaths in the Vietnam conflict. Guamanians are proud and patriotic, and H.R. 2993 honors their contribution to American valor and culture.

So I do, Mr. Speaker, encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 2993.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks about this budget because it needlessly underfunds the Violence Against Women's Act and cuts so many programs important to women.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns) for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 522, which is an important measure outlining the need for more awareness and education about heart disease, particularly as it affects women. I commend the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) for his initiative and leadership on this important women's health issue.

Like the country as a whole, heart disease is the leading cause of death on my island of Guam. However, heart disease is increasingly becoming an issue for island women, as the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) just pointed out with his statistics among minorities.

In fact, a recent Centers for Disease Control study indicates that heart disease is responsible for 214 deaths per 100,000 women on Guam. This is a staggering rate, and only through greater awareness and education can we begin to confront this problem.

One of the primary risk factors leading to heart disease in women is diabetes. Studies show that Guam's death rate from diabetes is five times higher than in the mainland. While some diabetes cases can be attributed largely to genetics, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by a combination of early detection and life-style changes.

Other life-style changes that women can make that will help reduce the risk of developing heart disease include paying close attention to blood pressure and cholesterol levels, preventing obesity and reviewing family history. Abstaining from smoking and increasing physical activity have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

It is very important that we, as leaders, work hard to educate women that heart disease is not just a health issue for men and that there are many proven life-style changes that women can make to help prevent heart disease. Not only is it important that we as Members of Congress stress the importance of maintaining a healthy life-style to prevent heart disease, but we must continue to support funding to medical researchers and professionals that study these diseases and teachers and public health officials that disseminate such information to women at high risk. Additionally, as studies continue to show, minorities tend to be at greater risk of developing heart disease. We must continue to support studies and uncover the reasons for higher risk in Pacific Islanders and other minorities, and we must provide the necessary resources to ensure parity with regard to education and health care access to high-risk communities.

I congratulate again the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) for his hard work on the issue of heart disease among women, and I urge this Congress to not only support House Resolution 522, but to follow through with decisive action.

Mr. Speaker, over 7,000 miles due west from our Nation's Capitol at a location roughly 2,700 miles southwest from the Hawaiian Islands and 2,000 miles southwest from Guam lies a nation of more than 50,000 people. The Republic of the Marshall Islands comprises 30 atolls and 1,152 islands, an area that in total land mass represents roughly the equivalent in size of Washington, D.C. but straddles an area of about 770,000 square miles of the western Pacific Ocean.

Today the people of the Marshall Islands, their culture, their history, their special relationship with the United States, which this resolution seeks to appropriately recognize, is largely unknown and overlooked by most Americans. Their special relationship with the United States is embodied in a Compact of Free Association and the unique partnership the compact establishes between our two nations.

Last year, we as a Congress renewed this compact with the Marshalls for another 20 years, and we take this opportunity today to recognize the beginning of a new era in our strategic partnership. I am proud to have taken part in the compact's renewal and in the work on this legislation as a Member of this House. As our colleagues from Hawaii stated last year when the compact legislation was brought to this floor, this may be an issue of little note for many of the Members of the House. It would be easy, he said, to say that the compact represents an area of forgotten people, of the never noticed, perhaps lost in the vastness of the world's largest ocean, a people, a culture, an area that was undiscovered by the Western World until the Spaniards arrived in 1529 seeking a western route for trade. Over the centuries, their culture has flourished and the world has now taken notice.

The United States' relationship with the Marshallese began 5 decades ago during World War II. Allied forces, led by the U.S. Navy and Marines, drove the Japanese Imperial forces from their islands. Following the war, U.S. naval bases were established on the atolls of Kwajalein and Majuro. In 1946, Bikini Atoll was the site for Operation Crossroads, the first postwar atomic weapons tests. Fifty years ago this month, the United States detonated the historic Bravo shot, a 15- megaton hydrogen bomb 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. For 12 years, the United States detonated more than 67 nuclear weapons in the Marshalls during the development of our Nation's strategic arsenal. The testing in the Marshalls left a legacy that we continue to address to this day. We recognize the important contributions of the Marshalls in our national security programs, and we know that the Free World owes a debt of gratitude to them for their role in the development of our national strategic deterrent. I am hopeful that we will soon address all these issues that the testing era brought for the benefit of our strategic partnership and special relationship.

In January, I was fortunate to have participated in a congressional delegation led by the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo). I was very grateful that he decided to visit the Marshalls as well as other Pacific islands. While in Majuro, we met with President Kessai Note and elected officials from other islands, as well as with the Nuclear Claims Tribunal. This visit was important given the recent renewal of the compact, the anniversary of the Bravo blast, and the security issues facing our world today.

The people of the Marshall Islands have made tremendous sacrifices and contributions on behalf of the United States in the pursuit of peace and freedom around the world. Today, the Marshall Islands are among the United States' greatest friends and most reliable allies. 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. I also again want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), and the Secretary of Interior, Mrs. Norton, for their leadership in recognizing the value of the strategic partnership with this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I urge its unanimous adoption by this House.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri for yielding me this time, and I rise today in support of our service men and women who need much more than the words we speak here today to help them in Iraq.

As the fires from the most recent terrorist attack today in Baghdad burn against the night sky, I am moved to remember Army Specialist Christopher Jude Rivera Wesley, who died in Iraq, the first Chamorro casualty of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

I also want to take time to pay tribute to Army Specialist Hilario Bermanis of the 82nd Airborne Division. He joined the Army from the Federated States of Micronesia, and after losing both legs and his left hand fighting in Iraq, he has now become an American citizen. I visited him at Walter Reed Medical Hospital. One day he might even become a Senator, like Max Cleland, who also sacrificed for his country a generation before him.

In my mind, this resolution affirms that we are yet to do everything that we can for our troops. We need the best technology to defend our troops and care for the wounded, the best diplomacy to make sure they do not stay a day longer than they have to, and the courage of our convictions to finish the job.