by Heather Hauswirth

Guam - Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo today addressed Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during today's hearing on the Fiscal Year 2011 defense budget. During the House Armed Services hearing, Congresswoman Bordallo shared concerns raised by members of the community at recent town hall meetings regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Specifically, Congresswoman Bordallo expressed her continued opposition to the use of eminent domain Department of Defense for land acquisition and suggested the feds should look into building within their existing footprint on Guam. Congresswoman Bordallo also expressed concerns regarding the aircraft carrier berthing and the potential damage to coral reefs during the dredging process.

Secretary Gates stated that the DoD would work with Guam stakeholders to "have transparency and for us [Department of Defense] to take into account the views of the people of Guam." Admiral Mullen further stated that these, "are major moves that we want to get right."