[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             FULL-YEAR CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2011

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                               speech of

                        HON. COLLEEN W. HANABUSA

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2011

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1) making 
     appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other 
     departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes:

  Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment of the 
gentleman from Texas.
  This amendment proposes to cut all funding for the East-West Center--
a shortsighted and impulsive measure that takes away from a program 
that has done so much on behalf of our Nation.
  Due to its strategic location half way between the continental U.S. 
and Asia, the East-West Center has served as an unparalleled resource; 
a bridge between the United States and our allies in the Pacific.
  For more than 50 years, it has been working to further diplomatic 
efforts between China, Japan, and other Asian countries through 
collaborations on education and research.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, let us not forget that one of America's biggest 
opportunities will be culminating later this year with the Asian 
Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting. The East-West Center will 
serve as the anchor to this meeting.
  For the first time since 1993, the United States will be hosting 
leaders of 20 other member economies. At this event, our Nation is 
poised to showcase our best and brightest, illustrating President 
Obama's goal to out-innovate, out-build, and out-educate our 
competitors. This is our chance to show the world what Americans are 
capable of.
  I believe that there is no better place in America for this than the 
East-West Center. However, if we decide to eliminate this center for 
collaboration between the U.S and Asia, if we take away the mere $10 
million that they require; we are sending a message that rejects our 
diplomatic relationships with Asia, rejects our strides in innovation, 
and rejects our ability to be capable hosts at one of the most 
important meetings of the next 10 years.

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