On the recordJanuary 26, 1994
I rise in support of H.R. 2144. I am one of the newest Members of this House, and before coming here I served in the California Legislature and with the Council of State Governments, which is an association of State legislators. They have a western conference made up of legislators from the Western United States and from the Pacific islands. We happened to have our annual conference in Guam, and I learned a lot about the issue of the Guamian people. Now that I am standing here, I rise in support of this very important legislation. I know many Members who are representing those States have colleagues in their State legislatures who would be supportive as well. This is essentially an issue of local control for a community that well deserves to have this land. It has been in U.S. possession for a long time and under our control. Mr. Speaker, I salute the author of this bill, the gentleman from Guam [Mr. Underwood], and I hope that we will unanimously support H.R. 2144 and wish the people of Guam a good half a day.
