Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 44, offered by my good friend and colleague, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland, to restore the voting rights for the Delegates and Resident Commissioner during Committee of the Whole proceedings.

The ability to cast a vote is the most basic of rights in our representative democracy. In the people's House, votes cast by members of Congress make us accountable to our constituents and allow them to understand where we stand on important issues. The rules that have been adopted by the 114th Congress

once again deny voting rights for members from the territories and the District of Columbia, and continue to make this body less transparent and less responsive to the more than four million Americans who live in our districts.

Under the resolution, extending voting rights to the Delegates and the Resident Commissioner during Committee of the Whole proceedings would be wholly symbolic--our votes cannot change the outcome of legislation or amendments considered on the floor of this House. However these votes allow us to ensure that the needs of our constituents are addressed in legislation considered by this body.

Further, many of our nation's men and women in uniform are residents of the territories and the District of Columbia. These dedicated servicemembers sacrifice much for our country, and many have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. In fact, the per capita death rate for servicemembers from the territories is higher than most states. Unfortunately the majority has decided that our constituents will be less represented in this House despite the sacrifices that servicemembers from our districts make to defend the basic rights and freedoms enjoyed by all Americans. Additionally beyond high levels of military service, residents from the territories and the District of Columbia contribute to and serve our nation in a wide range of areas. The inability to vote in the Committee of the Whole is unfortunate, but I appreciate that this resolution seeks to remedy this matter.

Mr. Speaker, giving the Delegates and Resident Commissioner the ability to vote during Committee of the Whole proceedings will allow our voices to be heard during legislation considered by the full House. It will give us parity with other members and strengthen the long- cherished values of this body. I urge my colleagues to adopt this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the nearly four decades of service of my former colleague Congressman Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa. After nearly four decades on Capitol Hill, American Samoa's longest serving Member of Congress and the first Asian Pacific American in U.S. history to become chairman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, bid farewell to colleagues and friends at a reception on Capitol Hill held in his honor on Wednesday, November 19th. The farewell reception for Faleomavaega included Members of Congress from the House and Senate, both Republicans and Democrats, ambassadors, foreign delegations, and their family members. They paid tribute to the man they call ``Our Eni,'' and did so by sharing memories from their years together. Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, beloved by so many on the Hill, first came to Capitol Hill in the 1970s and served as Chief of Staff to the late Paramount Chief A.U. Fuimaono, American Samoa's first Representative in Congress, and as staff counsel to the late Congressman Phil Burton of San Francisco before he became American Samoa's Representative in 1989.

As a reflection of Faleomavaega's genuine kindness that touched so many and his bipartisan approach that reached across party lines, the reception was attended by many, including House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and her husband Paul. Leader Pelosi shared memories of Faleomavaega in their early years with Congressman Phil Burton long before she and Faleomavaega were both elected to Congress. ``Eni, you are family from the Burtons on,'' Leader Pelosi stated. The Pelosis visited privately with Faleomavaega and his family, including his wife, Mrs. Hinanui Hunkin, and his daughter and son-in-law, Leonne and Fui Vakapuna.

Current and former members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee also attended. Republican Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona, who first came to the Hill as a Representative from Arizona's 1st District in 2001, expressed his gratitude to Faleomavaega as a leader, mentor, and friend, including an unforgettable moment with Faleomavaega when the two were on their way to a hearing. Congressman Faleomavaega was in an elevator with a good number of Samoan visitors whom the Senator described as all resembling NFL linebackers. Faleomavaega immediately held the elevator door open when he saw his friend coming down the hallway. Mr. Flake squeezed in to the elevator but once the door closed, rather than ascend to the next floor, the elevator dropped a few feet and the entire group was trapped for about twenty minutes before they were rescued. Senator Flake joked that the irony of it all was that the hearing was on submerged lands. In his message to Faleomavaega, Senator Flake stated, ``Eni, I have such good memories of our time together. Thanks for being such a good friend and mentor to me, and such a good example of a disciple of Christ. I look forward to working with you on a range of issues in the future. With admiration, Jeff Flake, U.S. Senate.''

Hawai`i Senator Mazie Hirono, reminisced with Faleomavaega about their early years in the House together and conveyed how much she will miss him being an honorary member of the Hawai`i State delegation. Over the years, because of his close ties to Hawai`i and friendship with the delegation, Faleomavaega was always invited to speak at the annual King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony. The Senator also shared how, whenever Faleomavaega had the opportunity, he always reminded President Obama that Kahuku (Faleomavaega's alma mater) is better than Punahou (the President's alma mater). ``To my brother,'' Senator Hirono stated, ``Thank you for all the kokua. Kahuku High, here I come! Take care, aloha.''

In a surprise tribute to the Congressman, former Hawai`i Senator Daniel Akaka, whom Faleomavaega affectionately calls by his Hawaiian name, ``Kaniela'', also joined in on the reception from his home in Hawai`i via telephone. The pair, who for many years were the only Members of Congress with Polynesian ancestry and who were also founding members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, laughed about their imaginary ``Polynesian Caucus'' in which Senator Akaka was the chair and Faleomavaega was the secretary. Senator Akaka thanked his ``brother'' Faleomavaega and his wife, Hina, for their years of friendship to him and his wife ``Aunty Millie'' all the way back to when Faleomavaega was first elected.

Congressman Charles Rangel of New York and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano of California shared their admiration for Faleomavaega's decades of service, noting how much personal dedication and family sacrifice is required to be a Member of Congress. Congressman Rangel stated, ``Eni, the Congress will miss you so much and I even more'' and added that when Congress loses one of its devoted servants, a family gains a husband, father, and grandfather. Congresswoman Napolitano said, ``Eni, my friend, I will miss your smiling face'' and shared how being so far from home in Washington, D.C. makes her miss her grandchildren, to which Faleomavaega replied, ``I don't even know how to be a grandpa!'' The Congressman's youngest daughter, Leonne, who was only two years old when Faleomavaega was first elected to Congress and who is now a wife and mother, smiled and gave her dad a big hug.

Republican Congresswoman, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, former chair of the House Foreign

Affairs Committee, said ``I'm gonna miss you, amigo!'' as Faleomavaega introduced her to all the famous Samoans pictured in photos around his office. When they came to a picture of Faleomavaega with Dwayne ``The Rock'' Johnson, she asked, ``Do you really know Dwayne Johnson?'' Without skipping a beat, the Congressman replied, ``Of course I do. His mom is my cousin!'' Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, who represents Florida's 27th District including Miami, where Dwayne Johnson lives, said, ``Everyone is your cousin, Eni. And he's my constituent!'' When they came across Faleomavaega's centerpiece photo from the 1960s featuring him with Elvis in Hawai`i, the Congresswoman laughed, ``Elvis is Samoan too? You do know everybody Eni, even Elvis! I already like you. But now I like you even more.''

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo of Guam brought her entire staff to bid farewell to Faleomavaega. ``Hafa Adai! To our friend Eni from the Guam office! I will always remember our many years together in Congress. You were a dear friend and you helped me along with advice during my early years! One memory I will take with me is our CODEL to American Samoa. What a fiesta that was!!! Love, Madeleine and from all your friends on Guam!''

Other Members, including Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH), Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI), Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV), Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP), Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), and former Congressman Solomon Ortiz (D-TX) also attended Faleomavaega's farewell reception.

Several who attended wrote the following in Faleomavaega's guestbook.

``You are my buddy and you always will be!''--Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA).

``To a dear dear friend. You have made a giant difference in the lives of so many! Thank you, thank you so much, Sheila!''-- Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX).

``I've really enjoyed serving with you. You've done a great job!''-- Congressman Buck McKeon (R-CA).

``The mark of success is not measured in what you've accomplished but rather in the lives that you have touched. Eni you've touched so many lives in your years of service, you're the definition of success. Be well my friend.''--Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA).

``Hermano, you are the best. We will see you soon!''--Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX).

Ambassadors and delegations from the Asia-Pacific region, including Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan, also expressed their gratitude to Faleomavaega.

From Myanmar: ``On behalf of the Myanmar Government, I wish to extend our sincere gratitude to you for your kind contribution toward promoting Myanmar-U.S. relations as well as for your country.''

From Pakistan: ``The Embassy of Pakistan deeply appreciates gracious support received by your office. Thank you.''

From Vietnam: ``Brother Eni, we love you so much. Thank God for helping us meet each other on the earth!''

Also from Vietnam: ``We'll keep you forever in our heart, millions of Vietnamese will do.''

Faleomavaega expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all who attended. ``I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to have worked with such distinguished leaders during my time in Washington, DC. The memories we built are priceless and I wish my friends and colleagues and the people of American Samoa continued success and happiness,'' Faleomavaega concluded.

As you can see his years of service have had a tremendous impact on U.S. policy in American Samoa and on U.S. foreign policy across the globe. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I have introduced the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, a bill that would implement the findings of the Guam War Claims Review Commission. Since being elected to the House of Representatives ten years ago, I have introduced a version of this legislation in each Congress. Over the last several Congresses, H.R. 44 passed the House on five separate occasions.

This bill would implement the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission, which was appointed by Secretary of

the Interior Gale Norton and established by an Act of the 107th Congress (Public Law 107-333). The Review Commission, in a unanimous report to Congress in June 2004, found that there were significant disparities in the treatment of war claims for the people of Guam as compared with war claims for other Americans. The Review Commission also found that the occupation of Guam was especially brutal due to the unfailing loyalty of the people of Guam to the United States of America. The people of Guam were subjected to forced labor, forced marches, internment, beatings, rapes and executions, including public beheadings. The Review Commission recommended that Congress remedy this injustice through the enactment of legislation to authorize payment of claims in amounts specified. Specifically, the bill would authorize discretionary spending to pay claims consistent with the recommendations of the commission.

It is important to note that the Review Commission found that the United States Government seized Japanese assets during the war and that the record shows that settlement of claims was meant to be paid from these forfeitures. Furthermore, the United States signed a Treaty of Peace with Japan on September 8, 1951, which precludes Americans from making claims against Japan for war reparations. The treaty closed any legal mechanism for seeking redress from the Government of Japan, and the United States Government has settled claims for U.S. citizens and other nationals through various claims programs authorized by Congress.

The text that I introduce in this Congress addresses concerns that have been raised about the legislation. First, the text reflects a compromise that was reached with the Senate when they considered the legislation as a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. That compromise removes payment of claims to heirs of survivors who suffered personal injury during the enemy occupation. The bill continues to provide payment of claims to survivors of the occupation as well as to heirs of citizens of Guam who died during the occupation. The compromise continues to uphold the intent of recognizing the people of Guam for their loyalty to the United States during World War II.

Further, the bill that I introduce today contains an offset for the estimated cost of the bill. I understood the concerns express by some of my colleagues in a July 14, 2011 hearing on this legislation. My colleagues expressed concern that there was no offset to pay for the cost of the bill. Guam war claims has a very simple offset that will pay for the cost of the legislation over time. The bill would be paid by section 30 funding remitted to Guam through the U.S. Department of Interior at any level above section 30 funds that were remitted to Guam in fiscal year 2012. With the impending relocation of Marines from Okinawa to Guam as well as additional Navy and Air Force personnel relocating to Guam it is expected that Guam will receive additional section 30 funds. Claims would then be paid out over time based off the additional amounts that were made available in any given year. Not only does this offset address payment of claims but it only impacts my jurisdiction and is a credible source of funding that will ensure that claims will be paid. Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicates in Senate report 113-146 that accompanied S. 1237, the Omnibus Territories Act of 2012, that the offset ensures the bill would not cost the federal government additional funds. Specifically it states, ``any such future payments due to Guam that exceed the amount paid in 2012 would instead be paid to a new U.S. Treasury fund that would be available to make compensation payments. CB0 estimates that the collection and spending of those funds would have no significant net impact on direct spending over the 2015-2024 period.'' Congressional passage of this bill has a direct impact on the future success of the military buildup. The need for Guam War Claims was brought about because of mishandling of war claims immediately following World War II by the Department of the Navy. The long-standing inequity with how Guam was treated for war reparations lingers today. If we do not bring this matter to a close I believe that support for the military build-up will erode and impact the readiness of our forces and the bilateral relationship with Japan.

Mr Speaker, resolving this issue is a matter of justice. This carefully crafted compromise legislation addresses the concerns of the Senate and fiscal conservatives in the House of Representatives. This bill represents a unique opportunity to right a wrong because many of the survivors of the occupation are nearing the end of their lives. It is important that the Congress act on the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission to finally resolve this longstanding injustice for the people of Guam.

Thank you, Ranking Member Smith.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of the FY15 NDAA.

As the ranking member of the Readiness Subcommittee, I appreciate that the bill provides our men and women in uniform with the resources they need to remain trained, equipped, and ready to execute the full range of missions and operations that face our modern military.

In particular, Mr. Speaker, the bill is a significant improvement over the House-passed measure and restores $818 million in cuts to the baseline operations and maintenance account. These funds will ensure that necessary repairs and upgrades to airfields and other mission- critical facilities occur. Among many other important provisions the bill also provides an additional $23 million for two additional combat training center rotations for the Army National Guard.

Mr. Speaker, this bill finally lifts the restrictions on the obligation and expenditure of Government of Japan direct contributions and U.S. military construction funds that directly support the realignment of Marines from Okinawa to Guam. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we can say that the military buildup on Guam is back on track, and this critical component of our rebalanced strategy will begin in earnest soon.

Over the past year there has been significant progress on the realignment, including the signing of a landfill permit by the Okinawan governor, the completion of a draft supplemental EIS document on Guam, and the delivery of a master plan to Congress. The actions we take in this bill fulfill the U.S. Congress' obligation to keep this progress on track. More importantly, we finally demonstrate to our allies in Japan that we value their leadership and role in moving this realignment forward on their end.

I cannot emphasize this enough: this bill moves the military buildup forward and is critical to our overall rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region.

I thank Chairman McKeon, Ranking Member Smith, our readiness chairman, my chairman, Mr. Rob Wittman, and all the members of the committee

for their support. I thank committee staff, particularly Vickie Plunkett and Brian Garrett, for their hard work. I urge my colleagues to pass this very important bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, which provides for concurrence to the Senate amendment to H.R. 3979, the text of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. I appreciate the efforts of Chairman Buck McKeon, Ranking Member Adam Smith, Chairman Carl Levin, and Ranking Member Jim Inhofe for their work to ensure we have a compromise package that keeps our 53 year streak of passing defense authorization bills alive. It is unfortunate that the Senate was unable to proceed under regular order to complete its defense bill, which would have allowed for a true Conference Committee to negotiate outcomes. Nevertheless, while this compromise package is not perfect, it does contain many elements that are critical for supporting our service members and our nation's defense posture.

This year's defense bill builds off the progress made last year on the realignment of Marines from Okinawa to Guam. The bill removes any restriction on the obligation and expenditure of Government of Japan and U.S. military construction funds for projects related to the realignment. Removal of the restrictions ensures that the realignment of Marines from Okinawa to Guam is back on track. While I have concerns about the precedence of putting a cost cap on the entire realignment program, the overall outcome in this bill is very positive. The U.S. is finally living up to its commitment under the Guam International Agreement, as amended in 2012.

Over the past year, there has been significant progress in Japan and in the United States regarding this relocation effort. Of greatest importance was the Okinawan Governor's signing of a landfill permit on December 27, 2014. The signing of the landfill permit, under the original agreement, signaled so-called ``tangible progress'' on the Japanese side for the development of the Futenma Replacement Facility in the Henoko area of Okinawa. It took decades to reach this milestone, but last December, the Governor signed the permit which allows for the beginning of construction of a new runway and replacement facility. Furthermore, the Department of Defense (DoD) released its draft supplemental environmental impact statement (DSEIS) for the Marine Corps main cantonment area and live-fire training complex on Guam earlier this spring. The DoD is now developing a final EIS with the intent of signing a record of decision early next spring. DoD also finally submitted a master plan to Congress that outlined the cost of the Marine realignment and provided the fidelity that Congress was seeking on a wide range of details about the relocation effort. All these together enabled us to prevail in Conference Committee and eliminate all the restrictions.

Our alliance with Japan is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. We have shared values economically and in security matters. It was critical that we uphold our end of the agreement this year. The bill finally makes good on our commitment and helps to further strengthen our relationship.

Unfortunately, this bill does not provide authorization for operations and maintenance funds to support civilian infrastructure requirements on Guam. There is a historical context for DoD providing local governments with support for civilian infrastructure requirements, like at Kings Bay, Georgia and Bangor, Washington, and I fundamental disagree with the opposition to this funding because it will support our military servicemembers. It is important to ensure that local infrastructure is able to support and sustain the additional military presence on Guam, and I believe the time is right to make these investments now, so that when Marines arrive on Guam, the overall island infrastructure is ready. I will continue to work with my House colleagues and the Senate to advocate for authorizing previously appropriated funds in future years.

I also greatly support the additional $1.148 million in funding for the Sea Cadet Corps program. This funding is in addition to $1.7 million that was programmed by the U.S. Navy in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget. The Sea Cadet program facilitates professional development for almost 9,000 Sea Cadets aged 11-17, in 387 units across the country. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps instills in every Cadet a sense of patriotism, courage and the foundation of personal honor, and it has significance in assisting to promote the Navy and Coast Guard, particularly in those areas of the U.S. where these Services have little presence.

Finally, I have some concerns about the provision that changes how the Directors of the Army and Air National Guard are appointed in the Department of Defense. A cohesive leadership team is essential to the productivity of any military organization. The Conference version of this provision is an improvement but still leaves much to be desired and the possibility that this process will continue to be abused.

Currently, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (CNGB) is not by statute or by regulation part of the selection process for his own leadership team and yet, the CNGB is the Department of Defense's official channel of communication regarding all matters relating to the National Guard, the Governors and State Adjutants General. As the National Guard Bureau is now a joint activity of the Department of Defense, the Chief's responsibilities within the Department of Defense and to the Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have grown. The CNGB should be allowed to create a leadership team that can provide unified representation of the National Guard within the Department of Defense and before Congress.

The provision will now only require consultation with the CNGB on the appointment of the Director and Deputy Directors of the Army and Air National Guard. There is a significant difference between consultation and giving the CNGB the authority he or she needs to have an effective and cohesive leadership team. We cannot neglect the importance of professional experience, knowledge, and understanding in our leadership positions. As a seasoned Guard member, the CNGB possesses a distinct perspective that can accurately identify the appropriate skill sets essential to fulfilling the requirements of senior level officers within the National Guard. We must remember that our National Guard fulfills a unique dual-hated role in meeting their Title 10 responsibilities for federal missions and a state role in supporting disaster relief and homeland defense. The CNGB is in the perfect position to best understand how to balance these sometimes competing paradigms and is best positioned to ensure that these Army and Air National Guard leadership teams can execute and balance these requirements in their role at NGB and in working with the Army and Air Force.

The reason this provision did not achieve our ultimate goals is routed in the antiquated way in which many senior leaders in DoD still view the role of the National Guard. When legislation asking for the Chief to be included in recommending his own staff meets such vocal opposition, it becomes easier to understand just how hard it is for the National Guard within the Service and Pentagon decision making processes and why there is discord on key initiatives. The Congress and both Presidents Bush and Obama have elevated the CNGB to a four-star position, also placing the Chief on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The empowerment of the National Guard was critical to ensuring that our nation's leaders had direct guidance and input on the capabilities that the National Guard can bring to the table in solving a wide range of national security challenges and allows for better coordination of federal and state homeland missions and response. However, the current process of choosing the Director and Deputy Directors of the Army and Air National Guard has been used to leave the CNGB out of the process and push personalities rather than individuals with the joint capabilities to make the entire organization function within its new roles and missions. As such, I will continue to work with my colleagues to watch implementation of this provision and ensure that it is not abused by each respective service and work to improve this provision in future years.

The defense bill is a year long process and is put together with the help and assistance of our outstanding staff. In particular, I appreciate the hard work and coordination of the entire House and Senate Armed Services staffs. I support this bill and urge my colleagues to pass this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of H. Res. 714, authored by my very good friend, Representative Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa. This resolution reaffirms the United States' interest in a peaceful and collaborative resolution of maritime and jurisdictional disputes in the South and East China Seas.

Disputes over islands in the South and East China Seas have broad economic and security implications to United States interests in the Asia-Pacific region. Escalation of these disputes undercut peace and stability in the region and seriously impact economies across the globe.

I strongly believe that the United States must take a leadership role in these disputes and work with our Asian allies to support a peaceful and collaborative resolution to these issues. The resolution takes a step in the right direction. We cannot accept unilateral action by any of the countries involved in these disputes, as it further degrades security in the region. Here is a clear example of Congress supporting the United States' role in the rebalance of the Asia-Pacific region.

In particular, we cannot allow recent aggressive actions by China to go unchecked. So I urge all parties, like Secretary Clinton did in 2012, to push toward finalizing a code of conduct that would establish a mechanism to resolve these differences. I believe that it is important for all parties to come to a resolution over these disputes and not allow them to fester any longer.

These disputes should no longer be used as weapons to bolster nationalism helping to secure domestic power.

We must do all that we can to ensure continued peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and I am glad that the House of Representatives is acting on this important measure to send a clear message to China and our allies in the region.

I want to close by saying that I am a close friend of Congressman Eni Faleomavaega. I am from Guam, he represents American Samoa, islands in the Pacific area. I want to thank him for his leadership on this issue and his long and dedicated service in the House of Representatives, I understand not just as an elected Member, but as a staffer as well, serving here over 40 years, as well as all the other issues in the Asia-Pacific region that he has looked after.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly, again, urge my colleagues to pass H. Res. 714.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my friend Jesus ``Jess'' Q. Torres. Mr. Torres served as a Senator in the 16th Guam Legislature. Senator Torres passed away on November 10, 2014 at the age of 72.

Senator Torres was born on August 14, 1942 to Jose Pangelinan and Felecita Quinene Torres. He graduated from George Washington High School. He attended the University of Nebraska, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.

Mr. Torres served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. After his time in the Army, Jess became a staff assistant to the late Governor Carlos G. Camacho. Jess went on to serve as the Deputy Director of the Department of Land Management and then as the Administrative Director of the 15th Guam Legislature.

Jess was then elected to the 16th Guam Legislature where he served from 1981 to 1982. After his time at the Guam Legislature, he was appointed by Governor Joseph Ada to be the Executive Manager of the Guam International Airport Authority from January 1987 to January 1995. During his term, he oversaw the construction of the current terminal at the GIAA, which was designated as the Antonio B. Won Pat Guam International Airport Authority, in honor of Guam's first Delegate to Congress.

In 2003, Jess was chosen by Governor Felix Camacho to serve on the GIAA's Board of Directors and he chaired the Committee on Personnel. In 2004, he was appointed to a second term as GIAA's Executive Manager. During this term, Jess is credited for turning around five consecutive years of losses and reducing the expenditures of the GIAA. He was also recognized for his efficiency and management skills that led to vast improvements at the Airport Authority.

Mr. Torres has also served on the Board of Directors of the Guam Economic Development Authority. He played an active role in politics on Guam and served as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Guam, where he was instrumental in the party's success and maintaining party unity.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Jess Torres, and I join the people of Guam in celebrating his life and recognizing his dedicated service to Guam. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends. He will be missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vice Admiral William D. French on his retirement from the United States Navy after 35 years of Federal service. Vice Admiral French retired as the Commander, Navy Installations Command.

Admiral French earned his commission as an officer in the United States Navy through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program in 1979. In addition to his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University, Admiral French holds a Master of Science degree from Naval Postgraduate School in 1986 and a Master of Arts from the Naval War College in 1999.

He served at sea on a number of submarines including as Executive Officer on the USS Helena (SSN 725) and commanded the USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716). Admiral French also served as Deputy Commander of Submarine Squadron 11; as Chief of the Strategy and Policy Division at U.S. Strategic Command and Commanded Submarine Squadron 3 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Throughout his distinguished naval career, Admiral French has worked tirelessly to defend his nation and develop strong community relationships wherever he was stationed. Admiral French's commitment to community was readily apparent in his second flag officer assignment serving as commander, Joint Region Marianas and concurrently serving as U.S. Defense Representative to Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Palau. Admiral French was one of the most popular and effective Admirals to have served on Guam.

In particular, he advocated, prepared for and assisted in the military buildup on Guam, and he did it through establishing strong relationships within the community. He also worked closely with then Brigadier General Doug Owens, Commander 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, on implementing the Joint Region concept on Guam. There were many unique and difficult challenges in implementing this requirement from the 2005 round of BRAC but their framework endures to this day.

Moreover, he prioritized direct and open lines of communication with our community at all the Navy regions he served. On Guam, he demonstrated a keen understanding of the Chamorro culture that is an important part of understanding Guam and relating to our local community. Admiral French demonstrated a model of leadership that should be emulated by any military officer. He established ground rules on Guam which are still in place today.

I also commend Vice Admiral French for his leadership as Commander, Naval Installations Command. He provided leadership of the shore-based Navy installations at a time of budget constraints. He has been able to ensure that the sailors and marines are provided with shore facilities that support their mission and their families. Despite the budget challenges he ensured that the Navy continued to invest in improving the housing and facilities that support Marines and sailors.

Despite his tremendous accomplishments, Vice Admiral French and his family suffered an unimaginable tragedy earlier this year. On January 24, 2014 Admiral French's daughter, Teressa was tragically killed. Admiral French and his family stood strong in the face of adversity and were an example for us all to follow. In the days following Teressa's passing there was a tremendous outreach to his family from any community in which Admiral French served or where his family lived. That was a clear demonstration of the strength of his personal bonds and leadership wherever he served his nation.

I have enjoyed working with Admiral French when he was on Guam as well as during his tenure as Commander, Navy Installations Command. On behalf of the people of Guam and a grateful nation, I commend Vice Admiral French for his many years of dedicated service to our country. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Taiwan on the upcoming celebration of the 103rd anniversary of ``Double Ten Day.'' Double Ten Day traces its roots to the Wuchang Uprising that occurred on October 10, 1911. The Wuchang

Uprising signaled the end of the Qing Dynasty and the start of a democratic movement that we continue to celebrate and recognize. Double Ten Day is a celebration of the birth of democracy and the Republic of China.

I want to especially recognize the people of Taiwan on this important occasion. The strength of the relationship between the people of Taiwan and the people of the United States is strong. I look forward to continue working to expand business opportunities as well as deepen our mutual appreciation for each other's unique cultures. Exchange of our cultures is clearly evidenced on Guam, which is home to many people of Chinese ancestry. Guam continues to benefit from their cultural contributions to our community and the promotion of trade and economic opportunities.

Again, I congratulate the people of Taiwan on the 103rd anniversary of Double Ten Day. We celebrate this historic occasion with them and we honor their friendship with the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Dennis J. Taitano on his retirement from the U.S. Department of the Navy after 32 years of federal civilian service. Mr. Taitano retired as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Services.

Mr. Taitano was born and raised in Guam. He attended George Washington High School from 1975-1976 before pursuing higher education in the states. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management and economics from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in public financial management from the American University. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Senior Executive Service Candidate

Development Program, which he completed in 1999.

Throughout his professional career, Mr. Taitano has worked tirelessly to improve financial practices and procedures at the organizations he has led. He held numerous financial management positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of the Navy (DON). He previously served as the Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency's Office of Budget and Finance, Chief Financial Officer of the FSA, and Chief Financial Officer of the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service. He has also served as the Comptroller of the DON Naval Sea Systems Command's Naval Ordinance Center and as a Special Advisor for Defense Reform within the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

In 2009, Mr. Taitano was appointed the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Operations with the DON's Office of the Assistant Secretary (Financial Management & Comptroller). In this capacity he was responsible for overseeing the DON's $170 billion operating budget and exercised financial oversight for the DON's 830,000 military and civilian personnel, including over 400 support contractors.

Mr. Taitano is the recipient of the 2009 Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Service. He has also received two DON Meritorious Civilian Service Medals, multiple USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Honor Awards, and the USDA CFO Summit Award for the Budget and Performance Management System.

On behalf of the people of Guam and a grateful nation, I commend Mr. Dennis Taitano for his many years of dedicated service to our country. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a bill to amend section 218 of the Social Security Act to allow for the governments of Guam and American Samoa to enter into voluntary agreements for Social Security and Medicare coverage for their local government employees. This bill provides parity to Guam and American Samoa with each of the 50 states and other territories.

Section 218 of the Social Security Act authorizes the Social Security Administration and State governments to enter into voluntary agreements to provide Social Security and Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI) or Medicare HI-only coverage for State and local government employees. Under the current statute, the governments of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible to enter into these agreements with the Social Security Administration; however the District of Columbia, Guam, and America Samoa are specifically excluded from the definition of ``State'' for this section of the law. All 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands have entered into a Section 218 agreement to cover some or all of their government employees.

Guam and America Samoa's exclusion from this section prevents our local governments from entering into a similar agreement with the Social Security Administration. It prevents government employees in Guam from receiving

Social Security benefits similar to what is provided to private sector employees on Guam who contribute to Social Security. The Guam Legislature unanimously passed a resolution requesting for me to introduce legislation that would remove Guam from the exclusion of the definition of ``State'' for Section 218. The Guam Legislature wishes to provide the government of Guam with the opportunity to enter into a Section 218 agreement to have their employees covered under Social Security. They have identified a local funding source to begin contributions to the Social Security Trust Fund.

In closing, I urge support for this bill to rectify this inequity and provide government employees in Guam and American Samoa an equal opportunity to contribute into Social Security. I thank Congressman Faleomavaega for cosponsoring this bill, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Vicente (Ben) Cabrera Pangelinan. Ben was a Senator of the 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th, 31st Guam Legislature and was currently serving in the 32nd Guam Legislature. Senator Pangelinan passed away on July 8, 2014 at the age of 58.

Senator Pangelinan moved from the island of Saipan to Guam at a very young age and grew up in the village of Barrigada. He graduated from Father Duenas Memorial School in 1974 before attending Georgetown University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Government.

While Ben was a student at Georgetown University, he served as a staff assistant to Guam's Delegate, Congressman Antonio B. Won Pat. Upon graduating from college, Ben returned to Guam and worked under my late husband, Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo's administration.

Before beginning his public service to the people of Guam, Ben worked for an insurance company doing business in Guam, Saipan and California. He held many leadership positions at FHP/HML Guam, including Regional General Manager.

In addition to his work as a Senator in the Guam Legislature, Ben was also a respected businessman in the community. He was President and Owner of Group Pacific, Principal Consultant/President of Pacific Presence Group; Founding Director of Graphic Center, Inc. and Micronesia Graphics, Inc.; and Director of Fifth Wheel, Inc.

Senator Pangelinan served in the Guam Legislature for twenty years. He was first elected in the 22nd Guam Legislature and served as the Speaker in the 27th Guam Legislature.

Senator Pangelinan was serving as the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Public Debt, Retirement, Legal Affairs, Public Parks, Recreation, Historic Preservation, and Land. Through Senator Pangelinan's leadership, the Guam Legislature was able to pass budgets in a timely manner. He took pride in the fact that these budgets reflected the priorities of the people of Guam, such as education, health and safety.

After twenty years of service in the Guam Legislature, Senator Pangelinan will be remembered for championing many issues to improve the quality of living for the people of Guam and always staying true to his convictions.

During the 30th Guam Legislature, Senator Pangelinan notably authored Public Law 30-193 which designated I Milayan i Mas Takhilo' na Sakrifisiu or the Medal of the Ultimate Sacrifice. The Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice is given to the survivors of Guam residents or service members stationed on Guam who were killed in action to recognize them for their service and sacrifice.

Ben was also a tireless advocate for Chamorro self-determination. Senator Pangelinan was a careful steward of our public funds, as well as our natural resources.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Ben Pangelinan, and I join the people of Guam in celebrating his life and recognizing his dedicated public service. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends. He will be missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Pedro Iriarte Borja, the former mayor of the municipality of Chalan Pago-Ordot in Guam. Mayor Borja passed away on May 31, 2014 at the age of 85.

Pedro Iriarte Borja was born on July 1, 1928 to Francisco Borja Borja and Ana Benavente Iriarte Borja. Affectionately known as ``Pete,'' he married Maria Crisostomo Arceo, his wife of 62 years, on July 7, 1951 and together they had seven children.

Pedro Borja was elected mayor of Chalan Pago-Ordot in November of 2004 and served from 2005 to 2009. During his term, Mayor Borja made significant improvements in the community. He oversaw the restoration of the Jose Atoigue Park and erected monuments to honor fallen servicemembers from Chalan Pago-Ordot.

Prior to his term as mayor, Pete Borja attended the Territorial College of Guam, which subsequently became the University of Guam, where he served as Student Body President. He then joined the United States Navy and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956, and subsequently returned to Guam.

After his service in the Navy, Pete worked at the Navy Public Works Center (PWC), Ship Repair Facility (SRF), U.S. Post Office, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In 1967, he joined the Military Sealift Merchant Marines. He retired as a civil servant after 30 years.

Following his civil service, Mayor Borja remained an active member of our community. He was instrumental to developing and supporting activities for senior citizens of Ordot. His advocacy was key to developing the Ordot Community Advancement Association (OCAA) Bingo operations, which helped to raise funds for the San Juan Bautista Catholic Church. He was also the Director of Tita's Day Care, his wife's daycare business.

Mayor Borja served as the President of the Korean War Veterans Association and was recognized as Veteran of the Year in 2011. He was also an active member of the Guam Caregiver's Association and served as the organization's treasurer.

Mayor Borja was a dedicated public servant and leader who worked to help others in our community. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and I join the people of Guam in mourning a great veteran and public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Though he will be missed, his legacy will live on in the memories of the people of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Pedro Iriarte Borja, the former mayor of the municipality of Chalan Pago-Ordot in Guam. Mayor Borja passed away on May 30, 2014 at the age of 85.

Pedro Iriarte Borja was born on July 1, 1928 to Francisco Borja Borja and Ana Benavente Iriarte Borja. Affectionately known as ``Pete,'' he married Maria Crisostomo Arceo, his wife of 62 years, on July 7, 1951 and together they had seven children.

Pedro Borja was elected mayor of Chalan Pago-Ordot in November of 2004 and served from 2005 to 2009. During his term, Mayor Borja made significant improvements in the community. He oversaw the restoration of the Jose Atoigue Park and erected monuments to honor fallen servicemembers from Chalan Pago-Ordot.

Prior to his term as mayor, Pete Borja attended the Territorial College of Guam, which subsequently became the University of Guam, where he served as Student Body President. He then joined the United States Navy and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956, and subsequently returned to Guam.

After his service in the Navy, Pete worked at the Navy Public Works Center (PWC), Ship Repair Facility (SRF), U.S. Post Office, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In 1967, he joined the Military Sealift Merchant Marines. He retired as a civil servant after 30 years.

Following his civil service, Mayor Borja remained an active member of our community. He was instrumental to developing and supporting activities for senior citizens of Ordot. His advocacy was key to developing the Ordot Community Advancement Association (OCAA) Bingo operations, which helped to raise funds for the San Juan Bautista Catholic Church. He was also the Director of Tita's Day Care, his wife's daycare business.

Mayor Borja served as the President of the Korean War Veterans Association and was recognized as Veteran of the Year in 2011. He was also an active member of the Guam Caregiver's Association and served as the organization's treasurer.

Mayor Borja was a dedicated public servant and leader who worked to help others in our community. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and I join the people of Guam in mourning a great veteran and public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Though he will be missed, his legacy will live on in the memories of the people of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize COL Diron J. Cruz on his retirement from the Guam Army National Guard. COL Cruz is the second son of Antonio Babauta Cruz and Guadalupe Santiago Cruz of Malesso, Guam. He was born in Tamuning, Guam and graduated from Father Duenas Memorial School in 1980. COL Cruz is the father of two daughters, Lenika and Nozomi.

COL Cruz earned his commission in the United States Army as a second lieutenant of Field Artillery from the University of Guam ROTC Program in 1984. In addition to his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Guam, COL Cruz also holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA. In 1985, COL Cruz completed the Field Artillery Officers Basic at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and then advanced courses in 1988.

As a newly commissioned officer, his first assignments included battalion ammunition officer, service battery executive officer, howitzer platoon leader and nuclear weapons officer with 1st Battalion, 36th Field Artillery in Augsburg, Germany from 1985 to 1988. He then served with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) from 1989 to 1993. During his time in the 101st Airborne Division, COL Cruz's duties included targeting officer for 3rd Brigade, battalion fire support officer, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, division Artillery. He then served his last regular Army assignment as Operations Advisor to the 479th Field Artillery Brigade in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1993 to 1994.

In 1994, COL Cruz left the Army and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and worked as a territory sales manager for International Paper Co. until March 1996. He then returned to Guam and worked as general manager of Guam Freight Forwarders and then as operations manager for Flowco Sales and Service Co.

In 1999, COL Cruz joined the Guam Army National Guard and began serving as operations officer of 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry and Guam National Guard training officer and domestic operations officer. He then served in different positions in both Hawaii and Virginia from 2001 to 2008. COL Cruz has served as the chief of staff of the Guam Army National Guam since his return in 2008.

COL Cruz was a respected leader in the Guam National Guard. As Chief of Staff, he undertook efforts to ensure the continued professionalization of enlisted and officers in the Guam National Guard. Further, he worked to ensure that staff collaborated as a truly Joint staff to push forward critical initiatives like a flying mission for the Guam Air National Guard; protection of critical force structure to support the rebalance and establishment of a light utility helicopter flying mission on Guam.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I commend COL Cruz for his service to Guam and the United States. I further congratulate and offer my sincerest appreciation to him on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of Republic Day on May 28.

Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, Azerbaijan was established in 1918 becoming the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world before being incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920. The country regained its independence in 1991.

Lasting only two years, from May 1918 to April 1920, Azerbaijan's first democratically elected government was committed to a strong and independent democratic state.

The desire of independence did not die in Azerbaijan in 1920. On October 18, 1991, the Independent Republic of Azerbaijan was officially restored by a declaration of Azerbaijan's National Assembly, Milli Mejlis.

Today Azerbaijan is a thriving democracy and a strong ally to the U.S. Azerbaijan enjoys one of the fastest growing economies in the world. With the inauguration of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, oil from the Caspian Sea now has an alternative route to reach world markets, bypassing Russian controlled pipelines. Soon the parallel natural gas pipeline will further dilute Russia's monopoly on energy in that region.

Azerbaijan is a partner in international and regional organizations including the U.N., Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and NATO's Partnership for Peace program.

Again, it is my distinct pleasure to honor the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of the 96th anniversary of Republic Day, and to recognize the invaluable bilateral relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan.