[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 86 (Thursday, June 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 1997

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 437) to 
     reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and 
     for other purposes:

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 437, to 
reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program. The Sea Grant 
program is one of the few Federal programs that attempts to address 
specific public needs while simultaneously conducting innovative 
research through academic institutions.
  The program has made measurable contributions in aquatic resource 
management and sustainable economic development while working for the 
protection and maintenance of marine and costal resources. As we 
continue to develop our costal areas, the need for sound marine science 
as a guide for wise and sustainable growth becomes increasingly vital.
  In addition to conducting solid and applicable research, Sea Grant 
also works to train students for related careers. Many of the students 
who work with Sea Grant today will be the marine scientists and 
resource management experts of tomorrow. This investment in costal 
development and preservation will have tremendous future value.
  The Sea Grant program supports research in over 200 participating 
universities throughout the United States and Territories. But Sea 
Grant is not just about research, it is about scientifically sound 
public policy. Through partnerships between academic, government, and 
business entities, Sea Grant research impacts decisions that effect our 
costal environments and the people that live there. This is especially 
important for an island community such as Guam.
  Currently, the University of Guam works in collaboration with the 
University of Hawaii through their Sea Grant program. However, Guam 
looks forward to having separate Sea Grant status at some point in 
time.
  I urge my colleagues to support this investment in the future of our 
costal communities. Sea Grant is good for our economy, good for our 
environment, and good for our students.

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