Political Quotes

“while we debate today's latest House Republican economic stimulus proposal, I would like to once again speak up on behalf of my home district of Guam and the U.S. territories, all of which have been experiencing double digit unemployment rates and have seen a down-turn in our tourism-dependent economies. I am grateful for the assistance of Representative John Boehner, Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, for ensuring that the territories are eligible under the National Emergency Grants provision of the Republican stimulus bill. However, I was hoping that the Government of Guam would be provided economic relief for individual tax rebates and to see increases for Medicaid funding that we have sought, and that were included in Democratic proposals. The bill before us today does nothing for the territories, especially for Guam. In fact, it may hurt. It provides more tax cuts which are reflected in Guam through a 'mirror tax code.' This has the effect of reducing local revenues at a time when Government of Guam leaders are exploring the possibility of cutting worker salaries by 10 percent. It ignores our plight because we are not included in the additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance. We should assist people who truly need help and local governments who are suffering through the most difficult times in the nation.”