Robert Underwood

Robert A. Underwood is a former American politician and educator who served as the Delegate from Guam to the United States House of Representatives from 1993 to 2003. A member of the Democratic Party, Underwood played a significant role in advocating for the interests of Guam and the broader Pacific region during his tenure in Congress. Following his congressional service, he held the position of president at the University of Guam from 2008 to 2018 and has been involved in various initiatives related to peace and education.

Early life and career

Robert A. Underwood was born on July 13, 1948, in Tamuning, Guam. He is the son of John Joseph Underwood and Esther Flores Taitano, with family roots tracing back to both Tamuning and Dededo, Guam. Underwood's paternal grandparents were James Holland Underwood and Ana Pangelinan Martinez, while his maternal grandparents were Juan San Nicolas Taitano and Rosario Sablan Flores. He completed his secondary education at John F. Kennedy High School in Guam in 1965.

Following high school, Underwood pursued higher education at California State University, Los Angeles, and later at the University of Southern California. His career in education began on the American mainland, where he worked as a high school teacher. He returned to Guam in 1976, taking on the role of instructor at the University of Guam, where he served until 1983. Underwood's commitment to education continued as he became the director of bilingual education assistance for Micronesia until 1988. He then advanced to the position of Academic Vice President at the University of Guam, a role he held until 1992.

In 2009, Underwood married Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood, a former superintendent of the Guam Department of Education and a former senator in the Guam Legislature. He has also contributed to public discourse through opinion pieces in the Pacific Daily News.

House tenure

Underwood's political career in the U.S. House of Representatives began when he was elected as the Guam Delegate in 1992, officially taking office on January 3, 1993. He served five consecutive terms until January 3, 2003. During his time in Congress, Underwood was an active participant in various legislative efforts, focusing on issues that affected Guam and the Pacific Islands.

As a member of the House Armed Services and Resources committees, Underwood emphasized the strategic importance of Guam and the Asian Pacific region in national defense policy. He worked to secure federal funding for military construction and advocated for the rights and benefits of military personnel, particularly those in guard and reserve units. His legislative efforts included sponsoring significant bills aimed at resolving long-standing land disputes between Guam and the federal government, recognizing the contributions of Guam's World War II generation, and enhancing local autonomy.

Underwood's influence extended to various pieces of major legislation, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which aimed to improve domestic telephone rates for Pacific territories. He was also involved in the State Children's Health Insurance Program and the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. His advocacy efforts led to the lifting of the ban on betel nut importation into the U.S. Customs Zone, the inclusion of Guam in the National World War II Memorial, and the creation of Chamorro Standard Time.

In addition to his legislative work, Underwood was a member of the Hispanic and Asian Pacific American Caucuses, where he championed immigrant rights, educational opportunities, and language sensitivity. As chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus during the 106th Congress, he played a crucial role in promoting scholarship programs for Asian Pacific Americans and was instrumental in the development of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his five terms in Congress, Underwood's legislative focus was primarily on issues pertinent to Guam and the broader Pacific region. His work often centered around enhancing educational and social opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, as well as advocating for political development in insular areas. He was particularly concerned with the socio-economic challenges faced by these communities and sought to address them through legislative means.

Underwood's committee assignments included significant roles on the House Armed Services Committee and the Resources Committee, where he contributed to discussions and decisions that shaped military and environmental policies affecting Guam. His position allowed him to advocate for the strategic interests of Guam, particularly in the context of U.S. military presence and operations in the Pacific.

In addition to his legislative achievements, Underwood's tenure was marked by his commitment to bringing federal resources to Guam. He successfully secured funding for various projects, including military construction and educational programs, which aimed to bolster the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents.

After leaving Congress, Underwood continued his public service by taking on the role of president of the University of Guam in 2008, where he served until 2018. His leadership at the university focused on enhancing educational opportunities and promoting research initiatives. In more recent years, he has been involved with the United States Institute of Peace, contributing to discussions on peace and stability in the region.

In summary, Robert A. Underwood's career reflects a dedication to public service, education, and advocacy for the people of Guam and the Pacific Islands. His legislative contributions during his time in Congress, along with his subsequent roles in education and peace initiatives, underscore his commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by his constituents and promoting their interests on a national level.