I am troubled that 800,000 of our civil service employees, who contribute greatly to the Department of Defense, may be furloughed up to 22 days.

It is clear through the many hearings that we have already had on this topic that sequestration would have lasting effects on the readiness of our Armed Forces.

The economic impact is also high. Every year, the Federal Government must spend millions and millions of dollars preventing the spread of snakes to other islands.

The invasion by these snakes has led to changes in our environment, destroying native bird, bat, and lizard populations, and leading to changes throughout the ecosystem.

Invasive species are a problem that should be addressed early, or else spend decades and millions of dollars on eradication programs.

I would like to underscore the importance of addressing invasive species issues early, given the experience that we have had in the Territory of Guam with the brown tree snake.

Have the Palauans expressed concern?

We should remember the thousands of Americans paid the ultimate sacrifice to free Palau from Japanese rule.

the people of Palau are becoming very, very concerned about this.

I believe this article and map highlight the importance of why we need to pass the Compact renewal with Palau.

Well, as a member of the Committee, I am suggesting that we ask him to appear.