The Papers of U.S. Congressman Robert A. Underwood, 1993-2002

Abstract

Congressman Robert Anacletus Underwood was born in Tamuning, Guam and raised in Sinajana, Guam. A career educator, Mr. Underwood holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from California State University and a Doctor of Education degree in Policy Planning from the University of Southern California Before he was elected to Congress, he was the Academic Vice president at the University of Guam.

Mr. Underwood began his career at George Washington High school and later joined the faculty of the University of Guam in 1976. He is known widely on Guam for his efforts to promote and preserve the Chamorro culture, the indigenous culture of Guam. His work in bilingual education programs for Micronesians makes his name familiar to many educators in the Western Pacific. He was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Bilingual Education by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare.

Mr. Underwood served as the Chairman of Guam’s Chamorro Language Commission from 1980 to 1992. While at the University of Guam he was instrumental in establishing the Bilingual Education Assistance for Micronesia Project. Congressman Underwood supports the efforts of the People of Guam to improve their political status with the United States by advocating the creation of the Commonwealth of Guam. The first bill he introduced in the 103rd Congress was H.R. 1521, the Guam Commonwealth Act. His service as Guam’s Delegate to Congress is based on a commitment to Guam’s issues and a fundamental belief in the capacity of public service to do public good. He has five children, Sophia Rosario, Roberto Anacletus, Ricardo Hurao, Ramon John Joseph, and Raphael Vicente.