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

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 would like to also welcome my colleagues who are here.

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, therefore, strongly support the efforts to bring just and due Federal recognition for the Native Hawaiians.

I stand in solidarity with our colleagues from Hawaii in supporting H.R. 2314 and am a close sponsor.

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…

We must ensure that the rights of Native Hawaiians are recognized and respected.

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

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

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

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

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

While I commend this action, the severe mortality and the sudden spread of White-Nose Syndrome demonstrate the need for a rapid response beyond closing caves where bats live.

I represent the Territory of Guam in the Pacific. We have a lot of bats in the Pacific area.

We must quickly ascertain the causes of and vectors for the spread of White-Nose Syndrome to avoid what could be an ecological and economic disaster, if it remains unchecked.

I also want to express my general support for the $787 million in total military construction funding.

Obviously, one of the impediments to executing these funds that I am confident this Congress will authorize and appropriate for is the completion of the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) and the record of decision.

I urge everyone to work together to get this military movement right.

This is a very important hearing for me and my constituents.

I have also requested an appropriation of $75,000 to preserve ancient Chamorro cave art within the Guam National Wildlife Refuge.

I request an appropriation of not less than $600,000 for the Guam waterworks Authority under the Environmental Protection Agency's State and Tribal Assistance Grants account.

I join my colleagues from the territories in requesting that the Subcommittee specifically include language in its mark allowing the EPA Administrator to reserve up to one-half of 1 percent of the amounts to be appropriated to the Clean…

I am concerned that the Fish and Wildlife Service is significantly under-resourced to undertake and complete the actions it is required to.

I want to go on record as saying that this is a great program, and I like to learn today that expanding the authorities of the Secretary to build upon it is certainly something I support.