[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 38 (Tuesday, February 28, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LATE JACOB CRUZ BARNES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Guam 
(Mr. Moylan) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MOYLAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the late Jacob Cruz Barnes 
who sadly left this world earlier this month.
  Jacob, also known as Jake, was a proud son of Guam and a proud 
veteran of the United States Air Force who served our great country for 
over 29 years in uniform. Jake also spent a good number of years 
ensuring that the many needs of our community were addressed in public 
service.
  Unfortunately, the last couple of years were very challenging for 
Jake and his family as he was unable to get needed care that he 
required as he fought several medical challenges, including the fight 
for survival. The simple and decent services were unavailable in Guam 
for not only Jake, but for many other of our veterans.
  These are individuals who have put so much on the line to preserve 
freedom and democracy to our great Nation and our beautiful island of 
Guam, that this country, this government needs to invest more to ensure 
when it is their time to obtain reliable care that it is made available 
for them at home where they can be with their family and loved ones.
  Sadly, Jake had to relocate to the mainland to obtain additional 
care. We need to do more.
  This government needs to take note that Guam has among the highest 
per capita enlistments in the Nation. We have proud patriots who call 
Guam their home. We have American citizens who are treated as second-
class citizens when it comes to care, whether it be for our veterans or 
even when it comes to SSI for our disabled residents.
  We can't say we are a land of opportunity when American citizens on 
U.S. territory are not provided equity.
  Jake leaves behind a legacy of leadership, courage, and commitment to 
his family, our island, and our Nation.
  I had the honor of serving with his wife, longtime senator and former 
Speaker in the Guam legislature, Tina Muna Barnes, over the past 4 
years. She, too, has always been a staunch advocate for equity when it 
comes to benefits for our community. I witnessed firsthand the 
challenges she and her family had to endure to ensure that care was 
made available for Jake. It wasn't easy.
  From the Halls of this historic building which represent democracy 
and freedom, I honor a veteran, a son of Guam, the late Jacob Cruz 
Barnes.
  On behalf of the 118th Congress, I express my deepest condolences to 
his wife, Speaker Tina, his four children, his grandchildren and great-
grandchildren, and his many other family members.
  Jake, thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.

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