I rise today in strong support of Congressman UNDERWOODS amendment to reallocate funding to the Government of Guam to compensate the financial burden placed on the local government by actions of the Federal Government. In 1986. by public law the Congress adopted the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Governments of Federated States of Micronesia. the Republic of the Marshall Islands. and the Republic of Palau. This compact exempts citizens of the freely associated states from meeting certain U.S. passport. visa. and work permit requirements. and allows them to reside. work. and attend school in the United States and its territories. Guam and the other territories were not involved in these discussions. Because Guam is the closest United States soil to the Freely Associated States. many indigent citizens of these states have migrated to Guam. and the Government of Guam has been required to expend in excess of $70 million to provide for the educational and social services of these people.
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visa work permit