Kimberlyn King-Hinds

“I am honoring the Guam-CNMI committee that supports our Guard and Reserve members. They help service members work with their civilian employers. I want to thank them and their volunteers for their work.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Guam-CNMI Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Committee for its steadfast support for our servicemembers, their families, and the employers who support them. ESGR helps our citizen-warriors balance military and civilian responsibilities through outreach, education, recognition, and assistance with employment protections under USERRA. This mission is especially meaningful in the Northern Mariana Islands, where military service is deeply rooted in our community. The Guam-CNMI ESGR has earned national recognition for three consecutive years. In 2024, Major General Benny Paulino received the James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism National Award. In 2025, Dave Sablan received national ESGR recognition, and in 2026 Don Clark was named National Employer Outreach Volunteer of the Year. These honors reflect the dedication of the entire committee and its volunteers. On behalf of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, I thank the Guam-CNMI ESGR for supporting those who serve our nation and strengthening the communities they call home. ``Thank you’’; ``Si Yu’us ma’ase.’’ ``Thank you’’; ``ghilisow.’’”

“I want to honor the Association of Pacific Ports for over a century of work. Ports bring food, fuel, and medicine to our islands. They are vital for our economy and national security.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Association of Pacific Ports and its more than a century of advancing maritime commerce, cooperation, and security across the Pacific. For Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, our ports are lifelines. They connect our islands to the world and ensure our communities receive the food, fuel, medicine, and supplies we depend on every day. Before coming to Congress, I had the privilege of serving as the chairperson of the Commonwealth Ports Authority and later as the president of the Association of Pacific Ports. I saw firsthand how collaboration among Pacific ports strengthens our economies, improves resilience, and supports our shared future. As our Nation increases its focus on the Indo-Pacific, Pacific ports play an increasingly vital role in both economic prosperity and national security. This August, the association will hold its 112th conference in Guam under the theme Inafa’maolek: Strengthening our Shared Pacific, reflecting the enduring value of partnership and mutual respect. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Association of Pacific Ports for its outstanding service and to congratulate its members and this important milestone.”

“I want the House to pass this bill. It improves health care and benefits for veterans. It includes my ideas to send doctors to veterans in U.S. territories and to let the VA mail medicine and provide virtual care to veterans living in Pacific Island nations.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to lend my voice in strong support of H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. This comprehensive package is designed to address the critical needs of our Nation’s veterans. The legislation represents a meaningful step forward closing resource gaps that have persisted for far too long. Among its provisions are vital improvements for veterans affected by traumatic brain injuries, expanded survivor benefits, and increased access to medical care in the U.S. territories and the Freely Associated States. I am proud to note that two bills I authored are included in this package. First is the Territorial Response and Access to Veterans’ Essential Lifecare, or TRAVEL Act. This provision, which already passed in the House, establishes a VA program enabling physicians to travel to the U.S. territories and deliver essential medical care directly to veterans. The second bill, the U.S. Vets of the Freely Associated States Act, empowers the VA to provide telehealth services and mail prescriptions to veterans residing in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. These Pacific Island countries are among our closest allies whose citizens serve in our military at exceptionally high rates, yet they lack access to basic care and benefits. This legislation will help remedy that inequity. The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act is not just important. It is urgent. Our veterans deserve the best we can offer, and this package delivers on that promise. I thank Chairman Bost for his leadership and dedication to veterans everywhere. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of H.R. 9237.”