Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And good afternoon, Dr. Lubchenco.

Should we let energy development and siting go forward with no planning process in place while we wait for the Ocean Policy Task Force?

I want to thank both you, Mr. Secretary, and Mr. Chairman, for recognizing his talent.

So on behalf of the people of Guam, I urge you to favorably report the nomination of Tony Babauta to full Senate with the recommendation that he has been confirmed without hesitation.

I commend President Obama for elevating this position to an Assistant Secretary.

It is a privilege to appear before you today on behalf of our community on Guam to share with you a few words of support for Tony Bahauta.

I also commend our distinguished colleague, Mr. Pierluisi, for his diligent efforts in crafting H.R. 2499, and for working to advance it so quickly to the stage in the process.

I want to thank you all and to remind you that the hearing record will be open for 10 days.

The Chamorro people of Guam, who I represent, like our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, are awaiting fulfillment of their political aspirations and an opportunity to fully exercise their rights to self-determination.

I also am an optimist myself so I like your optimism. I think that is the way to go.

I would also like to acknowledge, as I said earlier, Congressman John Sarbanes and Congressman Frank Kratovil and thank both of them for their leadership and their contributions to the work of the Natural Resources Committee.