Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) for this opportunity. I want to take this time to thank the leadership for their work on the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act. This piece of legislation is vital to the Pacific region and so important to the people of Guam. Guam is the closest American neighbor to the Freely Associated States. We have witnessed the progress that the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands have made under the original compact since 1986. Today this House will approve a renewal of this compact and recommit the United States of America to friendship with steadfast allies in the Pacific. Over the past 2 years, a lot of work has been exerted in renegotiating the terms of the original compact, and today we consider this measure for the final time before it makes its way to the White House. I am pleased that we are able to come to agreement in a bipartisan effort on matters that are so important to the Freely Associated States. Continuation of their eligibility for Pell Grants, Job Corps and programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is protected by H.J. Res. 63. This legislation also provides for an improved process to address the impact the immigration provisions have on affected U.S. jurisdictions. Annual mandatory funding in the amount of $30 million is provided for by this bill to be shared by Guam, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa to help defray costs associated with immigration. The legislation includes my provision for compact-impact reconciliation to address the unreimbursed compact costs over the past 17 years.

I want to recognize the work of the U.S. negotiating teams, most particularly the contributions of the chief U.S. negotiators, Al Stayman in the early phase and Colonel Al Short under the Bush administration. I congratulate the leadership of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands for their successful efforts. I want to acknowledge and thank the united efforts of Guam's leaders on the provisions important to our island. Governor Camacho and Speaker Pangelinan traveled thousands of miles to Washington in July to testify before the House Committee on Resources. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlemen from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) and (Mr. Case) for their efforts. I also want to thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) for their leadership in crafting this legislation as well as the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) for their input on matters under their committee's jurisdictions. I also want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), the gentleman

from California (Mr. George Miller), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) for their help in addressing matters of concern as this bill moved through the process, and to thank the staff serving on these committees.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to make special mention of the work the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) has put into the legislation. His service is invaluable to this institution and the people of the Pacific islands hold him in high esteem. This is indeed, Mr. Speaker, an historic day for the Pacific islands. I urge adoption of H.J. Res. 63.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 313, urging the President to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in recognition of his significant, enduring and historic contributions to the causes of freedom, human dignity, and peace and to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His Holiness' inauguration of his ministry as Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pastor of the Catholic Church. I want to thank Mr. Sensenbrenner for his leadership on this bill.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is our nation's highest civilian award, recognizing exceptional meritorious contribution to world peace. His Holiness, Pope John Paul II is more than deserving of this award.

Throughout his life and his ministry, he has stood firm in his belief of the inalienable right and dignity of the human person and has been unafraid to shape world events, speak for peace and advocate for human rights.

From his early years during the Nazi occupation of Poland where he risked his life to protect Polish Jews from persecution to his forgiveness of his would-be assassin, he has led by example.

His steadfast support of the Solidarity movement in his homeland of Poland provided hope and encouragement to the Polish people and led to peaceful government reforms that precipitated the collapse of communism in Poland and the eventual fall of the Soviet Union bringing freedom to millions of people.

As these events were unfolding in Eastern Europe, Pope John Paul II was also reaching out to other parts of the world, proclaiming belief in the inalienable right and dignity of the human person and using his influence to bring about change.

Through his efforts, he has helped to reduce tensions between world leaders, reducing conventional and nuclear weapons and averting a nuclear war.

He has sought to heal divisions across the different faith traditions, promoting reconciliation and dialogue between members to further understanding and respect for all people.

He has traveled over the world bringing hope and encouragement to the millions still oppressed by tyranny, hunger, disease and despair.

Despite his ailing health, he continues to lead with strength of conviction as a champion of freedom and peace. Through the many challenges that has faced the Catholic Church and the world, Pope John Paul II has been the rock of the Catholic Church, a model for all people.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I fully support House Concurrent Resolution 313 and urge its unanimous passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3157, which will direct the Secretary of Agriculture to designate employees of the Department of Agriculture to serve as liaisons between the federal agencies and state and local governments in the event of a federally declared disaster area.

As Delegate and long-term resident of Guam, I can attest to the debilitating state of confusion in the after math of a disaster. Just last year, individuals and businesses on Guam sustained millions of dollars in damage as result of the destruction wrought by two supertyphoons, Cha'at'an in May and Pongsona in December, 2002. While federal agencies worked quickly to implement disaster recovery plans for Guam, the central communications

mechanism between GovGuam and the various agencies through FEMA and its designated liaisons was crucial to the typhoon recovery.

H.R. 3157 will create a consistent mechanism of communication between the federal government and state and local entities for agricultural issues in the event of a disaster. I strongly support passage of H.R. 3157 and encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this important disaster legislation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to welcome the Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana to the People's House and to thank him for offering today's prayer.

Archbishop Apuron has served God and His people first as priest and now bishop for over 31 years. Born November 1, 1945, he was ordained a priest in the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin on August 26, 1972. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Agana by the late Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores on December 8, 1983 and consecrated Titular Bishop of Muzuca on February 19, 1984. On May 11, 1986, the Most Reverend Anthony S. Apuron was elevated to Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana.

As the head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana, he is the spiritual leader for over 350,000 Roman Catholics in Guam, the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa in the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Diocese of the Caroline and the Marshall Islands. He has been the moral voice for the faithful who look to him for direction in these difficult times. Under his leadership, the Archdiocese of Agana has expanded its ministries to meet the changing needs of the community.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I want to thank Archbishop Apuron for being with us today and for his leadership and guidance of the people of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Agana. Si Yu'os Ma'ase.

Mr. Speaker, roughly a half-century ago my home island of Guam was invaded by an unwelcome alien pest. Believed to have arrived on Guam as a passive stowaway in a military cargo ship shortly after World War II, the brown tree snake has kept our island's native wild life under siege ever since and has emerged to become the single greatest threat to Guam's natural environment.

Today, I am introducing legislation along with my colleagues from Hawaii, Mr. Case and Mr. Abercrombie, to combat the brown tree snake by increasing authorized funding levels for research, control and prevention of the spread of this species with the ultimate goal of eradication in Guam. In doing so, the legislation aims to improve the coordination among Federal agencies and other institutions in dealing with the problems brought about by the brown tree snake.

The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, which established a Federal program to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species, included an authorization for programmatic efforts to combat the brown tree snake as well. Since then the Federal Government has gradually increased efforts to prevent the brown tree snake from departing Guam and to reduce the population of the brown tree snake in certain targeted areas in Guam. Our legislation would enhance these efforts by improving the coordination and consistency of actions undertaken by Federal agencies and by providing an adequate authorized funding schedule to achieve the goal of eradication. Our legislation clarifies the responsibility for funding brown tree snake programs and places that responsibility in the appropriate Federal agencies. In the past the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs has had to contribute funds meant for territorial technical assistance to the brown tree snake program in order to make up for shortfalls in other Federal agencies' budgets. While we appreciate the Office of Insular Affair's efforts in the past, it is preferable to secure funding from those with direct responsibility and expertise for these issues.

Since 1993, Congress has attempted to address the brown tree snake problem, but I

would contend, by indirect and inconsistent means. Currently, Federal funding to fight the brown tree snake has remained stagnant over the past decade and has been realized, in addition to the contributions from the Office of Insular Affairs, through the efforts of a Senate Appropriations $1 million annual earmark in the Department of Defense Operations and Maintenance account for the Defense Health Services. These funds have been the basis for the progress made to date, but these appropriations funds are not specifically authorized, which has caused difficulty in securing the appropriation each year. In addition, as an earmark, these efforts have been misinterpreted by interest groups opposed to such earmarks and has at times been characterized as ``pork'' spending.

If we do not adequately address these funding shortfalls, significant brown tree snake containment efforts may fail resulting in the spread of a very aggressive invasive species to other areas of the United States. The brown tree snake has caused severe environmental damage on Guam, and our experience has been that once introduced, this species is extremely difficult to eradicate. The environmental cost in protecting other species in other areas that may become endangered by this alien predator is enormous, thus making the prevention of the spread of the brown tree snake an economic issue. This is a clear example of a situation where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

This bill is also notable for its emphasis on control and eradication. Guam has had the unfortunate experience of having the brown tree snake threaten the extinction of our own indigenous species of birds.

I look forward to moving this bill through the legislative process. I thank my colleagues from Hawaii, Mr. Case and Mr. Abercrombie, for their diligent work in crafting this legislation with me. I also wish to commend stakeholders in Guam and Hawaii, including the Government of Guam's Department of Agriculture, for their valuable input. I urge my colleagues to support the Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Act.

Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleague's motion to instruct the conferees on the Labor-Health and Human Services and Education appropriations bill to increase funding levels for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to the highest funding levels possible.

NIH is the recognized leader in medical research and the focal point for health research in our country. Studies funded by the Institutes, have led to advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. Still thousands of Americans die every day from five major diseases: heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Of these, heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers disproportionately affect minority populations. Additional research is necessary to understand the impact of these and other diseases that affect our minority communities and to develop cures and identify behavioral interventions that are effective at prevention. We are more aware today that research is needed to understand the impact of these diseases on our minority communities. We must increase funding to continue current research and development and to allow for new projects. In doing so, we give hope to all those afflicted with disease.

Mr. Speaker, November 10th will mark the 228th Anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. To mark the occasion, I would like to submit for the Record a special tribute to the Marines who participated in the Liberation of Guam written by Retired Brigadier General and former Delegate from Guam, the Honorable Vicente Tomas (Ben) Blaz.

Ben was a teenager during World War II when Japanese Imperial forces invaded and occupied Guam in December 1941. During the Liberation of Guam in July 1944, he was captured by a Marine Patrol of the 9th Marine Regiment and later released upon confirmation he was a native Chamorro. Years later, he would serve as Commanding Officer of the same Regiment.

He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Notre Dame where he was later honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He also holds a Master's Degree from the George Washington University and a Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Guam. In addition he is a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College. In 1992, he was recognized as an Outstanding Asian-American in Public Service.

After a distinguished career in the Marine Corps, which included being awarded the Legion of Merit (twice awarded), the Bronze Star (with Combat V), Navy Commendation Medal (twice awarded), the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (Gold Star) General Blaz retired and returned to Guam in 1980.

In 1984, the People of Guam elected him to Congress where he served with distinction for four terms. During his time in office, Congressman Blaz began the difficult task of addressing the unfinished business of World War II, the issue of war reparations for the people of Guam. He brings a unique perspective to this issue as a survivor of the Occupation of Guam, as a Marine, and as a public servant. Today, Congressman Blaz is a statesman respected by the People of Guam and a strong moral voice for our times. His insight is reflected in the following essay which conveys his deep love for our island and his profound admiration for the liberators of Guam.

Few people have achieved so much in one lifetime as General Blaz. I am honored to enter his essay into the Congressional Record so that all Americans may come to appreciate the men and women who wear the eagle, globe and anchor of the United States Marine Corps. The People of Guam honor all those who serve our nation in the armed forces, but in our hearts, first among equals, are the Marines, Guam's liberators, for whom our main street is named ``Marine Drive''.

On this 228th Anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corp, I submit this tribute written by one of the Corps' finest, Brigadier General (Ret.) Vicente Tomas (Ben) Blaz.

A Moving Moment of Silence on Marine Drive

(By Ben Blaz)

The news that the Marine Corps Drive Rededication Act is

scheduled for introduction in the Guam Legislature on

November 10 brought a smile to this manamko's face. It

sharpened the focus in my mind on an episode that took place

during the Liberation Day parade in 1958.

As Commanding Officer of a company of Marines at the

Barracks, I had the honor of leading them in the parade. For

the special event, we decided to wear combat clothing and

carry packs and weapons much like the liberators did.

Participating in this annual observance and remembrance was a

new experience for my men as it was for me in my role as

their commander.

It is not unusual for those in a parade staging area to be

a little edgy before a march. But the march that day was not

part of a football rally or a Little League parade.

Symbolically, we were following in the footsteps of a long

line of heroic Marines of World War II, many of whom fought

and fell where we were gathering. It was a sobering thought

that prevailed over a solemn occasion.

The parade route was different. As always, it was festive.

Spectators lined both sides of Marine Drive stretching from

Adelupe to East Agana. Most of them had survived the war and

had vivid recollection of the enemy occupation. Whatever

animosity they harbored, however, it was subdued that day.

The crowd cheered loudly for everyone and everything that

moved before them. All the villages had a float and every

military service was represented in the parade--including

marching bands.

As the parade was about to start, I braced myself against

the possibility of emoting publicly. When we entered the

parade route, the crowd roared. As we approached the

reviewing stand full of military and political dignitaries, I

gave the traditional command to salute, ``Eyes Right.'' At

that instant, as though directed to do so on cue, the crowd

``returned'' our salute with deafening silence.

For a few minutes, the only audible sound was from our

boots pounding the pavement in unison. Just a few years

earlier, similar boots pounded the original road all along

the coast as Marines charged from their landing crafts,

crossed the road under heavy gunfire, and fought their way

inland against an entrenched enemy. For 1200 Marines, it was

to be their last crossing. About 6000 of their comrades

returned to the beach on stretchers.

My effort to control my emotions failed. I was marching

solely on disciplined automation. Although tears swelled, I

was able to connect with the faces in the crowd, young and

old. Without uttering a sound, I heard the message radiating

from their faces--of appreciation, of admiration, and of

affection--for the Marines passing in review, for whom Marine

Drive was originally dedicated. I, a liberated son of Guam,

had the privilege of marching at that parade with a company

of United States Marines who were, in effect, my liberators.

In the ensuing years, I have participated in Liberation Day

parades as a general officer of Marines and as a Member of

the U.S. Congress. But, I was never again to feel and embrace

a moment such as I did that day in 1958.

I tip my hat to Senator Bob Klitzkie, himself a Marine, and

to his fellow Senators for sponsoring the bill to rededicate

Marine Drive. It is a magnanimous expression of remembrance.

Unlike the typical inanimate monoliths that serve as

memorials and centerpieces at annual ceremonies, Marine

(Corps) Drive is a living memorial, a touchstone, a reminder

to future generations how dearly we paid for the freedom we

enjoy.

Happy Birthday, Marines!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Captain Francis Edward Sablan, Jr., for nearly 25 years of service to his country in the United States Navy. Our Nation appreciates his courage and commitment to ensuring our security, and I want to express my personal gratitude to Captain Sablan as family and friends gather to honor his achievements on the occasion of his retirement.

Born in Hagatna, Captain Sablan has proudly followed in the footsteps of his father in serving in the United States Navy. His father, Francis Edward Sablan of Yigo served as a Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Navy. Captain Sablan credits his father with encouraging him to pursue a career in the military. His mother, Maria San Nicolas Sablan, of Sinajana also provided many years of valuable support services to our Nation's men and women in uniform while working for the Department of the Navy, Naval Air Station Agana.

Captain Sablan was commissioned as an Ensign on May 30, 1979, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He, along with fellow classmates and graduates Benny Fergurgur, Pedro Leon Guerrero, Frank Leon Guerrero and Francis Cruz, proudly represented Guam together at the U.S. Naval Academy. Their hard work and dedication has exemplified the patriotism and leadership qualities of the citizens of Guam and helped pave the way for future generations of talented young Chamorros to study at Annapolis.

Congratulations Captain Sablan on reaching this tremendous milestone. You have served your Nation and the people of Guam with dignity and courage. As you make the transition from active duty to civilian life, know that your contributions and legacy in the U.S. Navy will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleagues in support of the fight against breast cancer. I am told that this year 211,300 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed. A few years ago, two of those cases were my nieces, Donna and Catherine.

I will never forget their experiences in fighting the disease, the pain and side affects of treatment. I will never forget the feelings of fear and helplessness that their parents and the rest of our family felt because we could not take away their suffering.

So today as we celebrate the progress made in the fight against breast cancer, I want to express my gratitude to those who work to raise awareness and who encourage self-testing and early screening. I also commend those involved in research, those who fight to fund that research, and the survivors of breast cancer and their families for the strength and support they provide to other victims. Without your efforts, Donna, Catherine, and many other breast cancer victims would not be here today.

To my colleagues in Congress, I urge you to do your part in the fight against breast cancer: let us ensure that when the reauthorization of the Mammography Quality Standards Act and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program comes before us, we provide the necessary funding so that one day there will be no need for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, 56 years ago the United States assumed an international obligation to protect and promote the development of two island groups that straddle much of the vast Pacific Ocean: The Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

As strategic battle grounds in World War II, these islands were liberated from enemy occupation by U.S. forces. In the aftermath of that pivotal period in world history, they emerged from a League of Nations mandate administered by Japan to become a United Nations' Trust Territory with the United States as trustee. Over the next 40 years their socio-economic status improved and their developing economies would begin to take root.

Then, in 1986, Congress passed, and President Reagan signed, a Compact of Free Association with them. The compact allowed for a new relationship to be cultivated, and it afforded the FSM and the RMI the ability to become sovereign nation states in their own right. In the years since, they have been welcome to the international table in their own name and their alliance with the United States today could not be stronger.

While other nations who receive foreign aid consistently oppose us in the United Nations, the FSM and the RMI have been among our most steadfast of allies. Seventeen years after the original agreement, we are here today, Madam Speaker, to renew the compact. It is in the spirit of friendship that we renew an agreement that seeks to honor and build upon the benefits our respective countries have derived from the original compact.

So I rise today to support H.J. Res. 63 for four principal reasons: first, because it advances U.S. defense interests by providing a 50- year lease extension for U.S. access to Kwajalein Atoll in the RMI, home of the Ronald Reagan Missile Testing Facility and grants the U.S. the right of strategic denial.

Second, because it reaffirms the right of FSM and RMI citizens to migrate freely to the United States for work, education, and residence and improves the means by which the Federal Government addresses the impact of migration in affected U.S. jurisdictions, including Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the State of Hawaii.

Third, because it continues for the next 20 years critical financial assistance to facilitate capacity-building and self-sufficiency in the FSM and the RMI while ensuring greater accountability oversight and effectiveness, as well as it be continuous Pell grant eligibility.

Finally, and most importantly, because it fulfills our moral obligation to the people of Micronesia and the Marshalls.

Guam is the closest American neighbor to the FSM and RMI, and we have seen the progress that they have made under the original compact. Guam has welcomed and embraced those FSM and RMI citizens who have availed themselves of their compact-provided right to migrate freely to the United States for the pursuit out of educational and other opportunities. This migration has come at a financial cost to the Government of Guam. As in many cases, migrating FSM and RMI citizens do not directly contribute to the local revenue base that sustains the education, the health, housing and other social services which they have sought.

Guam has been impacted significantly more than any other jurisdictions by this federally negotiated and internationally implemented agreement. As impact costs have increased, Guam has sought greater and improved assistance from the Federal Government. And that is why I am pleased that H.J. Res. 63 includes provisions based upon legislation that I introduced, namely H.R. 2522, and H.R. 2716 to address compact impact needs.

Madam Speaker, I want to go on record this afternoon to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), and my friend, the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), for shepherding this legislation through this challenging process. I also want to express my gratitude to our chairman of the Committee on Resources, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), and the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), for their bipartisan leadership in addressing those matters important to myself and other members of the Committee on Resources. I also want to thank all of the staff in all the different offices who worked so hard so that we could realize this day today.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for H.J. Res. 63, vote ``yes'' for our national defense, vote ``yes'' to fulfill our moral obligations to the people of the Pacific, vote ``yes'' to help develop their economies, and vote ``yes'' to advance our relationship in this new century.

Guam is the closest American neighbor to the FSM and the RMI, and we have seen the progress that they have made under the original Compact. Guam has welcomed and embraced those FSM and RMI citizens who have availed themselves of their Compact-provided right to migrate freely to the United States for the pursuit of educational and other opportunities. This migration has come at a financial cost to the Government of Guam, as in many cases, migrating FSM and RMI citizens do not directly contribute to the local revenue base that sustains the educational, health, and other social services on Guam. Guam has been impacted more significantly than any other jurisdiction by this Federally-negotiated and internationally-implemented agreement. As impact costs have increased, Guam has sought greater and improved assistance from the Federal Government. Congress has responded with some assistance, termed Compact-impact aid, and appropriated such aid from time to time over the past seventeen years in varying amounts, but never at levels to cover the costs actually realized or with the consistency to adequately help shoulder the adverse financial consequences. This is why I strongly advocated for amending the Compact law (Public Law 99-239) during this reauthorization process to ensure the immigration policy goes hand-in-hand with an adequate reimbursement policy for Compact-impact costs.

Among the first pieces of legislation I introduced as a new Member of Congress was H.R. 2522, a bill that would authorize the reduction, release, or waiving of amounts owed by the Government of Guam to the United States to offset past unreimbursed Compact-impact expenses, and H.R. 2716, a bill that proposes new methods and more reliable means to provide for adequate Compact-impact aid in the future. H.R. 2522 was heard in the Resources Committee in July, and the Governor of Guam, Felix Camacho, and the Speaker of the Guam Legislature, Ben Pangelinan, traveled to Washington, D.C. to testify about the Compact-impact costs in Guam.

In enacting the original Compact law in 1986, Congress stated that these adverse consequences would be reimbursed by Compact-impact aid. The General Accounting Office and a previous report by Ernst and Young indicate that the unreimbursed costs accrued to date in Guam are approximately $187 million. I am pleased that H.R. 2522, in a modified form, has been agreed to by the Resources Committee and has been incorporated into H.J. Res. 63. Section 104(e)(1) of this legislation would provide for a process by which the President could use debt relief as a means to reconcile past unreimbursed impact expenses for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

I believe that such authority could be exercised by the President in the public interest. One of the examples of debts owed by Guam which was brought to my attention is the amounts owed by the Guam Telephone Authority (GTA) for infrastructure improvements to Guam's telephone system in the 1970s and 1980s. GTA currently owes $105 million to the Rural Utilities Service. This debt has been an impediment to recent efforts by Guam to privatize the telephone authority, which now has the distinction of being the last government-owned telephone utility in the nation. The existing debt has caused potential buyers to avoid GTA due to its debt service ratio of 0.70 to 1, a ratio well below the 1 to 1 ratio preferred by investors. Furthermore, the annual debt service costs for GTA's loans make it difficult to attract buyers.

The reforms passed by Congress in the 1996 Telecommunications Reform Act eroded GTA's ability to compete in the marketplace. Telephone deregulation opened up the industry to competition, and in Guam, GTA was constrained by local and federal laws from competing while losing its own advantages as a local monopoly.

Debt relief for GTA to offset unreimbursed impact expenses would make it possible to privatize the utility and to end further Federal subsidies. The Federal investment in infrastructure has already paid off in debt service payments by Guam and in minimal Federal reconstruction costs for GTA after typhoons in the past two decades. Moreover, without the debt relief that Guam seeks, it may be more difficult to privatize the utility because the net return from the sale of GTA may not be substantial enough to make it an attractive option. Due to the economic recession in Guam, some opponents of privatization have already likened this effort to unloading GTA at fire sale prices and have argued that the Guam taxpayers have invested too much in this utility to

let it go for too little, irrespective of the actual market value of this depreciated telephone utility.

The authority for debt relief contained within H.J. Res. 63 may be prudently exercised by the President to set appropriate conditions for the relief in order to make the previous Federal investment and the Federal relief sought worthwhile. In this regard, the relief for GTA's debts could be made contingent on the Government of Guam's commitment to privatize the utility and use the proceeds from the sale of GTA for other capital improvement needs on Guam such as schools, water and power infrastructure, and health facilities. The debt relief contemplated by this provision is not intended to exacerbate the economic situation of Guam rather it is intended to promote good public policy and stimulate the economy.

Guam has suffered from a series of typhoons dating back to 1997. Any amounts owed by the Government of Guam to the Federal Government for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance can be considered an offset for unreimbursed Compact-impact costs. In addition, the Government of Guam continues to request a reconciliation of FEMA assistance for Supertyphoon Paka, which struck Guam in December 1997, and for which the Government of Guam believes a significant amount of money is owed to cover debris collection, removal and disposal work in the aftermath of the storm.

Examples of other debts that could be retired or reduced to offset unreimbursed impact expenses for Guam are the $9 million owed by the Guam Waterworks Authority to the Department of the Navy for water consumption and $3 million owed by the Guam Community College to the Department of Education for construction of a student housing facility.

Beyond this reconciliation provision, I am also pleased that the Resources Committee agreed to provisions contained within H.R. 2716, and incorporated them into H.J. Res. 63, so that for the next twenty years we avoid the great disparity between impact costs and realized reimbursement. Providing for $30 million in annual mandatory Compact- impact aid for the affected jurisdictions is a significant improvement over the current mechanism for Compact-impact reimbursement. Although I continue to question the Federal obligation to the affected jurisdictions, I am pleased that H.J. Res. 63 includes authorizing language that would allow for additional Compact-impact aid, above and beyond the $30 million, in future years to address reimbursement needs. Further, to help Congress accurately assess actual Compact-impact costs, I am pleased the Resources Committee restored a reporting requirement. I am equally pleased the Resources Committee retained referral authority for medical facilities of the Department of Defense. Together, these provisions should set us on the right course for the next twenty years.

My colleagues, Mr. Abercrombie, Mr. Case, Mr. Gallegly, Mr. Rehberg, Mr. Acevedo-Vila, Mr. Grijalva, and Mr. Pallone, along with Mr. Faleomavaega, were also there for Guam throughout this process and helped me to ensure the Guam Compact-impact reconciliation provision was included. I thank them as well for their support.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time, and I rise in support of House Resolution 409. I too want to associate myself with the remarks of my colleagues. We should speak out against anti-Semitic and prejudice comments made by any leader of the world, or anyone for that matter.

Just this past weekend, I met with the Jewish community of Guam and shared with them my wonderful impressions of my recent visit to Israel. Guam is located in the Asia-Pacific area, and I am very concerned, Madam Speaker, with intolerance or any kind of racism in our region of the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 400, honoring the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's ascension to the papacy. I want to thank Mr. McCotter for introducing the resolution.

As the successor of Peter, Pope John Paul II is the beloved leader of Catholics all over the world and as we celebrate his 25th anniversary, we pay tribute to a man whose leadership, courage and compassion is a model for everyone. Through the many challenges that has faced the Catholic Church and the world, Pope John Paul II has stood firm in his faith. He has been unafraid to use his influence to shape world events, speaking for peace and advocating for human rights. His willingness to reach out to the different faith traditions and his forgiveness of his would-be-assassin has earned him the respect of many and is an example for all leaders.

Pope John Paul II has presided at 142 beatification ceremonies where he proclaimed 1,315 Blesseds, including Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores of Guam, and 50 cannonization ceremonies resulting in 476 Saints of the Church. He has held 8 consistories in which he created 201 cardinals.

During his Pontificate, 17,350,000 pilgrims have participated in the General Audiences. This does not include the special audiences, religious ceremonies and the millions of people he has met during his pastoral visits throughout the world. He has met with numerous government officials during 38 official visits and the 700 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State and the 231 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.

The people of Guam were honored when Pope John Paul II chose to visit Guam in 1981 at the invitation of Archbishop Anthony Apuron. Many people camped overnight in streets and parking lots near the plaza where he was to say mass. For many, this would be their only opportunity to see him. Tens of thousands of people attended the service. It was an awesome sight to see everyone, children with their parents and grandparents, religious and government leaders, gathered to celebrate mass with the Holy Father. It was a day that will never be forgotten by the people of Guam.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I fully support House Resolution 400, honoring the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's ascension of the papacy.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to voice my support to the Ramstad-Moore amendment, which would allow troops on rest and recreation leave to return from Iraq to their home of record. This amendment benefits every member of the military serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom from across the United States, its territories and possessions. I am pleased that this amendment will enable servicemen and women from Guam to return home, even if only for a few days. This amendment will make a great improvement in the morale of our troops because they will be re-united with friends and family who are hoping and praying for their safe return. On behalf of the children that will be reunited with a parent and the couples that will see each other for the first time in months, I strongly urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, despite the most advanced technology and the best of intentions, our operations in Iraq, followed by widespread looting and sabotage, degraded that country's antiquated infrastructure and left the people fearful and helpless. The people of Guam know how hard it is to recover from liberation. Hagatna, the capital of Guam was destroyed during World War II and has yet to fully recover. From this experience I can tell you that reconstruction is the hardest of tasks and every bit of assistance helps. If we do not follow through on our commitment to reconstruct Iraq we will have won the battle but lost the war. So I rise today in support of the Iraq Supplemental with sympathy for the people of Iraq whose liberation has left their country in chaos.

I believe a people suffering under a tyrant can be restored by democracy. I believe a Soviet style economy can be revived with a healthy dose of American capitalism. I believe that a nation that has been isolated from the international community can, in partnership with the United States, step up and regain its rightful place in the world. The Iraq supplemental before us today will work to further these aims. Iraq is a test of our beliefs, just as it is a test of the ideology of those arrayed against us.

At the same time our service men and women are not the world's policemen. They have accomplished their combat mission and should be relieved by an international peace/keeping force and Iraqis. Our Army has traditionally steered clear of law enforcement duties, which are better left to those with the special training and suitable equipment. We did not seek that role for them in Somalia, Haiti or Kosovo, nor should we seek it now.

It is an example of the best of the American people when we help another. Yet it is only human nature to express concern that similar attention is not being paid to needs here at home. Each of us in this Chamber can list the unmet needs of our constituents such as concurrent receipt for veterans or healthcare for our seniors. The debate on the Iraq supplemental should not be a proxy for our failure to address these issues. Rather, we should commit ourselves to fixing these issues in the coming days. The Fiscal Year 2004 appropriations bills are not yet passed and we have time to make amends. We should come together in the same bipartisan manner that we have gathered to consider this Iraq supplemental and work to meet the needs of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a very dear friend, Mr. Gutierrez Aflague ``Larry'' Lorenzo, who passed away on September 24, 2003 at the age of 88 years.

Larry was an institution at Government House, the official residence of the Governor of Guam, serving as Chief Executive Chef during the terms of Governors Bill Daniels, Manuel F.L. Guerrero, Carlos G. Camacho, Ricardo J. Bordallo, and Paul M. Calvo. While working for these Chief Executives he served their First Ladies, including myself, not only as our chef, but as a friend, and as a teacher and advisor in the culinary arts. His long tenure at Government House was as much a credit to his recognized skills and talent with food as it was to his warm personality and winsome demeanor. Larry made everybody feel at home in Government House.

Larry's fine cuisine was sampled and eagerly savored by visiting dignitaries including several U.S. Presidents and Vice Presidents, Presidential Cabinet members, Members of Congress, and Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip of England and Pope John Paul II. As a true Chamorro, Larry understood the important role food plays in all social gatherings on Guam.

Larry did not start his life as a cook. At the age of 25, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marines and was assigned to Wake Island. In early 1941, he was transferred to Honolulu. When America liberated Guam Larry returned to his island home to work for Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Recognizing his aptitude for the culinary arts, Admiral Nimitz introduced Larry to a German Chef who trained the young Guamanian to master the art and science of food preparation and presentation.

In 1961, Larry was hired by Governor Bill Daniels and so began his twenty-five years of service to a succession of Governors, First Ladies and the people of Guam. In those years, he became well known for the quality of his cooking but he became most famous for his pastries. His attention to exquisite detail in his cakes often found people commenting that they thought the flowers on his cakes, especially the roses, looked real.

As First Lady, I knew Larry for eight years. During those years, I learned so much about Chamorro cooking--Larry was an advisor and mentor in the preparation of my Leblon Finatinas. In all official functions, Larry was ever present, advising, supervising and making sure that everything was just right. Larry was appreciated by everyone who knew him. To those of us who learned and worked closely with him, he will always have a special place in our hearts.

Adios Larry Si Yu'os Ma'ase para todos y un naane ham, para todos y un fanague ham. Adios, my friend.