by Mindy Aguon

Guam - A delegation of the island's lawmakers are in the nation's capitol making Gam's case for the military buildup and the territory's needs. Speaker Judi Won Pat is joined by Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz, senators Tina Muna Barnes, Rory Respicio and Jim Espaldon spent the day today visiting Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Tony Babauta, White House Committee on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Cecilia Munoz and officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

They also met with Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Professional Staff Al Stayman and Staff Director Brian Modeste.

The delegation will continue meetings on Thursday (Guam time) meet with congressional leaders including Guam's delegate to Washington and Senator Jim Webb, who recently visited the island and Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson, who recently stated that he was worried that the buildup may cause Guam to capsize.

Speaker Won Pat says all of the meetings have been positive and the delegation's busy day was highlighted today when they met Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and discussed the Guam buildup with her.