[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TITLE II--COMPACTS OF FREE ASSOCIATION WITH THE FEDERATED STATES OF 
          MICRONESIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DIANE E. WATSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 2003

  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, President Clinton gave me the privilege to 
represent the American people as Ambassador to the Federated States of 
Micronesia. I have a deep respect for the Island nations, and I am 
pleased that we have passed the new compact legislation out of the 
House.
  Although most of the contentious issues in the compact have been 
addressed, the funding allocated for education concerns me. The RMI and 
FSM children have only just begun to benefit from the establishment of 
an integrated education system. I am very pleased to know that 
authorization for educational programs is included in the bill.
  In my former profession of teaching I have witnessed the impact of 
early structured education. Young students are much better equipped to 
enter the educational system when they are exposed to education at an 
early age. The educational appropriations that Chairman Regula has 
offered to support is critical to keep effective programs in place.
  I also strongly support those provisions in this compact that provide 
for continued Pell grant eligibility for the FAS. It will bolster the 
ability of the FAS to cultivate education. The elimination of Pell 
grant assistance would have decimated the college system in the FAS 
altogether. A large portion of the operating funds for the College of 
Micronesia are obtained through Pell grants.
  One other important area that I would like to point out is the 
reinstatement of FEMA assistance. It has been placed back into the 
Compact for infrastructure purposes and major catastrophes. USAID is 
not equipped to deal with all of the problems that arise on small 
islands nor do they have the ready response to help in a timely 
fashion. As we move forward with our unique relationship with the FAS I 
hope the U.S. Congress will be supportive and receptive to the needs of 
our friends.
  In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to understand the importance of 
the FAS. I support this bill and look to endorse the final product as 
the other body considers the Compact.

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