[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E657-E658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING VICE SPEAKER BENJAMIN J.F. CRUZ ON RECEIVING THE 
                JUDICIARY'S 2013 HUSTISIA AWARD FOR GUAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2013

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate 
Benjamin J.F. Cruz, the Vice Speaker of the Guam Legislature, on being 
awarded the Judiciary of Guam's 2013 Hustisia Award.
   The Hustisia Award is awarded annually to recognize a person or 
organization that has contributed to improving the administration of 
justice and good government.
   Vice Speaker Cruz has committed his life to promoting justice in 
Guam as an attorney, jurist, and current senator. This award recognizes 
his 40 years of service in advocating for justice and equality and for 
promoting and strengthening respect for the rule of law. Throughout 
this career, he fostered building public support for the judiciary, 
promoted understanding of the judicial system, and encouraged civic 
responsibility and service.
   Born to Antonia C. Franquez and the late Juan Quenga Cruz, former 
Commissioner of Piti, Vice Speaker Cruz received a Bachelor of Arts 
degree in Political Science and Economics from Claremont Men's College 
in 1972. In 1975, he received his Juris Doctor degree from the 
University of Santa Clara Law School.
   Vice Speaker Cruz returned home and became an attorney and member of 
the Guam Bar Association. Throughout his career, Vice Speaker Cruz has 
worked for all three branches of government. From 1975 to 1979, he 
served as Legal Counsel to my late husband, Governor Ricardo J. 
Bordallo. A few years later, in 1983, he served one year as Director of 
the Guam Liaison Office in Washington, D.C.
   His work in the judicial branch of government began in 1984 when he 
was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Guam. He was elevated to 
the Supreme Court of Guam and served as an associate justice from 1997 
to 1999. In 1999, his colleagues elected him Chief Justice of Guam and 
served in this capacity until his retirement from the bench in 2001.
   In December 2003, he was federally appointed as Commissioner of the 
Guam War Claims Review Commission. He served in this post until June 
2004.
   He is currently serving his second term as Vice Speaker of the 32nd 
Guam Legislature; he has served as a senator in the 31st, 30th and 28th 
Legislatures. He was also the Minority Legal Counsel for the 15th, 
16th, and 29th Guam Legislatures.
   Additionally, Vice Speaker Cruz remains an active member of our 
island community. He has been involved in numerous community and civic 
organizations, and has spearheaded several non-profit corporations 
focused on social justice issues, cultural preservation, and youth 
services.
   I congratulate Vice Speaker Benjamin J.F. Cruz on receiving the 
Judiciary of Guam's 2013 Hustisia Award. I join the people of Guam in 
commending him for his award and thanking him for his many 
contributions to our community.

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