[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 13, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING GUAM SPEAKER BENJAMIN J.F. CRUZ FOR HIS TIRELESS ADVOCACY 
              FOR CANCER RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2017

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate 
my good friend and the Speaker of the 34th Guam Legislature, Benjamin 
J.F. Cruz, on being awarded the American Cancer Society Cancer Action 
Network's National Distinguished Advocacy Award. This is the Cancer 
Action Network's highest national advocacy honor and Speaker Cruz is 
being presented with this award for his lifetime of advocacy for cancer 
research, education, and outreach, as well as the introduction and 
passage of the Youth Protection Act of 2017 in the 34th Guam 
Legislature, which raised the minimum age to purchase or access tobacco 
products on Guam to 21 years. On March 24, 2017, Speaker Cruz's measure 
became the first bill enacted into law during the 34th Guam Legislature 
and made Guam the third jurisdiction nationwide to enact legislation 
raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 years.
  Speaker Cruz's bill furthers efforts on Guam to reduce smoking on 
Guam and raise awareness among youth and young adults of the harmful 
effects that smoking and tobacco products have on a person's health. On 
Guam cancer is one of the leading causes of death in our community. 
Numerous community organizations, non-profits, and government agencies 
have partnered to promote research and community engagement to assist 
cancer patients and their families. Increased educational campaigns 
have also been ongoing to raise awareness of cancer and ways to reduce 
risks. Speaker Cruz's bill is an important compliment to these efforts, 
and I commend him, his staff, and all community stakeholders who were 
critical to its passage.
  I have had the pleasure of working with BJ on numerous policy 
initiatives and joined him in supporting many of Guam's community 
organizations and the causes for which they advocate. As a former 
attorney, judge, and Chief Justice of Guam, and now as a legislator and 
current Speaker of the Guam Legislature, he has been a true public 
servant and champion for our island.
  I join the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in 
commending Guam Speaker BJ Cruz for his advocacy for cancer research, 
outreach, and education, and for the enactment of the Guam Child 
Protection Act of 2017. On behalf of the people of Guam, I congratulate 
him, as well as his entire staff and policy team, on this award, and I 
look forward to our continued work together for our island and 
community.

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