[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1300-E1301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REGARDING H.R. 5067, TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE FOR CHILDREN AND 
         PREGNANT WOMEN FROM MICRONESIA WHO RESIDE IN THE U.S.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2002

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, Micronesians residing in the U.S. 
are classified as lawful non-immigrants and are unable to obtain 
federal health care services. They cannot obtain Medicaid benefits even 
though they are members of our local communities and pay taxes.
  Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palua have made sacrifices for the 
U.S. The U.S. tested a total of 67 atomic and hydrogen bombs between 
1946 and 1958 at the Bikini and Enewetak atolls in the Marshall 
Islands. The effects of these tests are still felt throughout the 
region.
  Additionally, the Compact of Free Association prevents other 
countries from entering into

[[Page E1301]]

military alliances with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the 
Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. Such 
military alliances could threaten the security of our nation. Between 
1918 and 1941, foreign powers did occupy these islands. And as history 
will recall, many World War II battles were fought in the islands 
fortified and occupied by Japan. The Compact prevents this from 
happening again.
  In the Compact, the U.S. government promised to assist Micronesians 
in exchange for their continued sacrifices. The U.S. agreed to foster 
economic development and help these countries become self-sufficient.
  This same treaty allows Micronesians to freely migrate to the U.S. 
According to the 2000 Census, 115,247 Micronesians are living in the 
U.S. Most Micronesians do not become citizens, yet they become members 
of our communities. They are here legally. They pay taxes, attend our 
schools, and join our military. They work with and for us. 
Nevertheless, the federal government denies Medicaid health care 
benefits to noncitizens and lawful non-immigrants.
  My bill, H.R. 5067, will give Micronesian children and pregnant women 
legally residing in the U.S. access to Medicaid and the State 
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Micronesians should be 
covered because it is in the interest of our nation to improve the 
public's health, which includes basic health care for poor children and 
pregnant women regardless of their nationality or citizenship status.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 5067 and help the U.S. fulfill 
its commitment to our neighbors and coworkers from Micronesia. They 
made sacrifices to ensure the security of our nation. It is time for 
our nation to fulfill its promises.

                          ____________________