[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 27, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H6314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           COMPACT-IMPACT AID

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of May 
12, 1995, the gentleman from Guam [Mr. Underwood] is recognized during 
morning business for 5 minutes.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again call attention to 
the problem of unrestricted immigration to Guam allowed by the compact 
of free association and the failure of the Federal Government to 
fulfill its promises to Guam to reimburse our local government for the 
cost of educational and social services that this immigration policy 
causes.
  This legal immigration allows the citizens of the three nations of 
the former trust territory to travel unrestricted to the United States, 
without passports or visas, and to reside, work, or attend school 
without going through the usual INS applications. In opening the door 
to this unusual and generous policy, the Federal Government also 
promised in Public Law 99-239 to reimburse the American islands in the 
Pacific for the expected costs. Guam, because of its proximity, has 
received the greatest share of this immigration.
  Since 1985, when the compact was enacted, and compact-impact aid was 
authorized, Guam has incurred over $70 million in costs. Guam has 
received a grand total of $2.5 million in reimbursement.
  Mr. Speaker, Congress has spoken out loud and clear on unfunded 
Federal mandates. As we consider the Interior appropriations bill this 
week, I urge my colleagues to ensure that the funding for Guam's 
reimbursement is included. Let us make sure that on this issue, 
promises are kept.

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