In this issue:
First time ever: CODEL to visit Rota
Veterans Resource Fair
Marianas gets seat on vets committee
Opportunities – Federal grants, jobs for/in the Marianas
Highlights in the legislative program
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First time ever: CODEL to visit Rota
A congressional delegation will visit Rota for the first time ever on February 23. I made a special request for this stopover to Rob Bishop (R-Utah), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and leader of the CODEL. He kindly agreed. On February 22, the eight members of our group will land on Saipan. The next day we travel to Tinian and then on to Rota, where we will be briefed by a National Park Service team. They are holding public meetings as part of their study of the feasibility of establishing a unit of the National Park System on Rota to protect areas of recognized national importance like I’Chenchon Bird Sanctuary, Monchong Latte Village site, and Taga Latte Quarry. I included authorization for this three-year study in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act and funding in the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act. But the Park idea really began with then-Rota Legislative Delegation leader Senator Diego Songao in 2004. Rota Representative Teresita Santos also helped with convincing testimony to Congress in 2010, as did Mayor Melchor A. Mendiola and Senator Paul A. Manglona. Study recommendations will go to the Natural Resources Committee, which is responsible for decisions about our national parks.
Marianas gets seat on vets committee
Veterans and their families in the Marianas—and around our nation—are too often forgotten, after giving so much. That is why I asked—and this week was granted—a special waiver to serve on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Democratic Members are usually limited to membership on two committees, but I will now serve on three. The Committee has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides veterans with medical care, housing and educational benefits, and other compensation for their service. Committee membership gives me more opportunities to address disparities in these services for veterans living in remote areas of our country, like the Marianas. Thanks to Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee for approving my waiver request. I also appreciate Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Tim Walz and House Natural Resources Ranking Member Raul Grijalva for their support of the request.
Federal Opportunities for/in the Marianas
Jobs:
Staff Assistant – Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan is seeking a Staff Assistant in the Washington, D.C. congressional office. Responsibilities include answering phones, maintaining the front office, greeting visitors and giving Capitol tours, answering constituent requests for general information, assisting the office manager with scheduling and bookkeeping, and assisting staff with other various administrative and legislative duties in a supportive role. The Assistant will also be responsible for selecting books at the Library of Congress for the Congressman’s “Let’s Read” initiative.
Excellent writing, verbal and organizational skills are essential. Candidates should be well-organized, hard-working, detail oriented, and willing to learn. High degree of professionalism required, as well as an ability to work a flexible schedule. Ties to the Northern Mariana Islands preferred.
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and two writing samples to bob.schwalbach@mail.house.gov. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
Food Service Worker – The Commander, Navy Installations has an opening for a Food Service Worker on Guam. Incumbent will assist in setting up food service counters, preparing and serving food, and operating a cash register among other duties. Position is open until February 13, 2017. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/464020000/.
Child and Youth Program Operations Clerk – The Commander, Navy Installations has an opening for a Child and Youth Program Operations Clerk in Guam. Duties are related to recordkeeping and reporting, liaising with families and programs, and collecting and monitoring fees and supplies. Position is open until February 14, 2017. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/464093600/.
Substitute Teacher – The Department of Defense Education Activity has an opening for a Substitute Teacher on Guam. Incumbent will present instructions in accordance with an established lesson plan and curriculum to students in a classroom environment, among other duties. Position is open until December 31, 2017. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/461039600/.
Highlights in the Legislative Program
THIS WEEK
On the Floor
H.J. Res. 44 – Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior relating to Bureau of Land Management regulations that establish the procedures used to prepare, revise, or amend land use plans pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (Passed, 234-186)
H.J. Res. 57 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to accountability and State plans under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. (Passed, 234-190)
H.J. Res. 58 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to teacher preparation issues (Passed, 240-181)
H.R. 387 – Email Privacy Act (Agreed to by voice vote)
Legislation I Co-Sponsored
H.R.868 — To establish within the Smithsonian Institution the National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, and for other purposes.
H.R.869 — Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act
H.R.874 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that certain veterans receive in-patient psychiatric care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
H.R.902 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to hire psychiatrists.
H.R.909 — To protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence from emotional and psychological trauma caused by acts of violence or threats of violence against their pets.
NEXT WEEK
On the Floor
H.R. 512 — WINGMAN Act
H.R. 244 — HIRE Vets Act
H.R. 974 — BRAVE Act
H.J.Res. 42 — Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to drug testing of unemployment compensation applicants
H.J.Res. 66 — Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by States for non-governmental employees
H.J.Res. 67 — Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by qualified State political subdivisions for non-governmental employees
H.J.Res. 69 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Department of the Interior relating to "Non-Subsistence Take of Wildlife, and Public Participation and Closure Procedures, on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska"
H.J.Res. 43 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule submitted by Secretary of Health and Human Services relating to compliance with title X requirements by project recipients in selecting subrecipients
Committee HearingsTuesday, February 14
Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Hearing on “Restoring Balance and Fairness to the National Labor Relations Board"