Robert Underwood: “in the midst of admirable efforts by the administration to improve our economy and increase America's competitiveness…”

“in the midst of admirable efforts by the administration to improve our economy and increase America's competitiveness overseas, there have been recent actions taken by the State Department which stifle economic advancement in the territories of the United States. In the same manner, while the administration makes valiant attempts to improve and sustain the integrity of the environment, the State Department rejects advances in environmental stewardship and economic growth in the South Pacific. The rejection of Guam's participation in regional organizations, namely in Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation [APEC] and the South Pacific Regional Environmental Protection Program [SPREP], are the reasons for these inconsistencies in national policy. APEC is an organization dedicated to the strengthening of regional economic ties among its 15 members. It seeks to reduce trade barriers and encourage investment by coordinating economic policy. The members of APEC are liberally called member economies so that economies which are not completely sovereign, such as the crown colony of Hong Kong, may participate. Unfortunately, the State Department denies Guam the right to participate in the regional organization outside of the seat held by the United States.”