Guam - Taking into account recommendations from Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and representatives of the U.S. Territories, President Barack Obama signed an executive order strengthening the Interagency Group on Insular Areas. The executive order elevates the IGIA by designating an official from the White House to Co-Chair the IGIA with the Honorable Ken Salazar, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. 

The White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cecilia Munoz, will co-chair the IGIA and will allow for increased involvement from the White House. Reacting, Bordallo says Munoz is well informed of the issues facing Guam and commends President Obama for signing today's executive order.