by Lannie Walker

Guam - Senator Frank Blas, Jr. introduced legislation that would implement the Guam Self-Determination and Self-Representation Act of 2011. Bill 2 would allow for an election of two representatives from Guam to go before the U.S. Senate and federal agencies to serve as a voice and a vote for the people.

The measure states that the people of Guam can no longer be relegated to the role of concerned outsider with no means to determine our own fate. Guam voters would select the pair during the 2012 general election, and the representatives will receive the same compensation, allowances and benefits as a member of the Senate.

The bill additionally de-appropriates $333,406 from the General Fund for money set aside for the Guam Liaison Office in Washington, DC, and re-appropriates it into the Self-Determination Self-Representation Fund.