the life of a territorial delegate in the U.S. Congress is the most frustrating job you would have ever expected it to be.

I commend Mr. Pierluisi, who has worked diligently to advance self-determination efforts, and who champions Puerto Rico's issues here in Congress.

You certainly have tremendous challenges on your shoulders, and I thank you for your service.

I want to thank Ranking Member Adam Smith and my dear friend, Chairman Wittman, for working collaboratively with me on the readiness section of the NDAA. I believe that this bill provides our servicemen and -women with what they need to be…

Because of the NEPA process, the people of Guam were able to influence agency decisions regarding the volume of military personnel, the placement and construction of facilities, the impact of invasive species, and the preservation of…

I also appreciate the efforts of the CEQ and the Obama administration in drafting guidance for considering the impacts of greenhouse gases and climate change within the NEPA process.

Moreover, I think it is wise that we encourage, not force, Federal agencies and departments to consider the potential impacts of climate change.

climate change is a threat multiplier that makes unstable security situations bad, and bad situations worse, across the world.

I think it is important to highlight how the NEPA process was extremely critical in shaping Federal actions regarding the military buildup on Guam.

It has been an important tool for many of our communities to weigh in and voice concerns about Federal agencies' actions that would have potential environmental impacts.

I think we all understand, and can agree, that the NEPA process is not perfect.

As the representative from Guam, I appreciate, Mr. Chairman, your calling the committee together.

Thank you very much.

We have neglected to do our very basic job of providing adequate funding for our military.

If sequestration continues, we have to continue to draw down on funding.

the budget resolution that this House passed effectively continues sequestration.

the restrictions that are inherent in OCO funding, as the chairman highlighted, do not allow us to have the flexibility required to get at home station readiness for units that are not deploying in support of a contingency operation.

U.S. leadership is needed across the globe and we cannot neglect our obligation and commitments to our allies.

Let me say I am looking to the future. And if we continue to draw down on funding, certainly, we are putting our young men and women at risk.

I appreciate your sharing the dangers of sequestration. It is a short-sighted policy that undermines our Nation's ability to project power.

the restoration of a dry-docking capability on Guam remains a strategic requirement and operational necessity.

How will the fiscal year 2016 budget request assist the Air Force in supporting the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region?

It is an honor to serve with you again as the ranking member on the Readiness Subcommittee.

I am curious...if you could comment briefly, how are you leveraging privatization efforts...

I see these partnerships ongoing. And I think it brings the military and civilian community together in a big way.