Congressman Robert A. Underwood of Guam Ends 10 years in Congress
Guam's delegate to Washington, Robert Underwood, is wrapping up 10 years in the House of Representatives. Underwood has been characterized as Guam's third most powerful and influential person and a tireless promoter of Guam's right to self-determination. But Underwood also used his considerable influence and intellect to benefit all Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans. In 1996, Congressman Underwood gained national media attention with his stand against Congressional English-only legislation, recommending, with tongue in cheek, that Congress go a step further to mandate ketchup as the nation's only official condiment. His passions in the areas of language preservation and cultural rights have been the hallmarks of Underwood's activism. He was appointed to the Chamorro Language Commission in 1977 and served as its chairman for more than 12 years. He was written five Chamorro culture and language texts for school children.
Congressman Underwood has consistently assumed the leadership on issues important to the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. During the 106th Congress (1999-2000), he served as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. As chair, he held briefings on health issues, racial profiling, and the educational conditions of the national Asian Pacific American community. He continued to work on these issues even after his tenure as Chair. His leadership led to the inclusion of Pacific Islanders and permanent legal residents in the Gates Millennium Scholarship program, and was instrumental in the formation of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum would like to extend its many thanks to Congressman Underwood and his hard working staff for their leadership and dedication. We will miss you and wish you all well in your new endeavors.
For more information, contact the APIAHF Policy Division staff:
Gem Daus, Legislative and Government Affairs Coordinator, GDaus@apiahf.org
