Madeleine Bordallo

This is a matter of justice, and Congress should do more to ensure that they are made whole.

The people of the Virgin Islands continue their journey to enhance self-government.

The bill before us, H.R. 3538, would give the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to issue special use authorizations to owners of specific water storage, transport, or diversion facilities within these wilderness areas. The permits…

Well, Mr. Chairman, I feel we should correct that in some way.

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

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

Do you think it is surprising that revenues generated by OCS energy development currently fund a variety of programs...

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and Mr. 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.

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.

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 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 was surprised to hear that many communities in Virginia lack the necessary technical, legal, and financial tools to begin to plan for the projected impact of climate change.

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.

I would like to also welcome my colleagues who are here.

I look forward to hearing from the Administration about what plans they have to tackle this complex challenge.

As a Member of Congress representing a non-self governing territory that is home to an indigenous people, the Chamorros of Guam, I come to this discussion with an added appreciation for and sensitivity to the inherent rights of indigenous…

This bill has my support, and I hope we can move it to the Floor quickly after this hearing today.

I feel because of that we should now try to address the consequences of what had happened.

It is important that Congress recognize, protect, and respect these indigenous practices.

Congress recognized this injustice through the passage of the Apology Resolution in 1993.