Congresswoman Bordallo Meets with President Obama

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 23, 2011 - Washington, D.C. -

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) today met with
President Barack Obama at the White House to discuss issues important
to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.  As the Vice
Chair of CAPAC, Congresswoman Bordallo discussed Guam and territorial
issues with the President.

Congresswoman Bordallo thanked President Obama for his past support of
Guam war claims and asked for his continued help to pass the bill in
Congress.  The Administration continues to support the Congresswoman's
efforts to resolve Guam war claims.  The Departments of Defense and
the Interior have testified before Congress about their continued
support.

Congresswoman Bordallo also spoke about the need to extend parole
authority to Guam for Chinese and Russian visitors.  The White House
committed to ensuring a continued dialogue with the Department of
Homeland Security on the status of extending parole authority to Guam.
 The Congresswoman expressed her appreciation for these efforts and
conveyed her hope that the White House will continue to provide policy
direction on the importance of this initiative to DHS.

The meeting also focused on the need for tax considerations for the
territories when the Administration is developing national economic
policy.  Congresswoman Bordallo and the Delegates recently sent a
letter to President Obama requesting that he include cover over
provisions for the territories in his American Jobs Act.  The
Congresswoman thanked the President for listening the Delegates'
concerns and for including cover over provisions in his bill.

"President Obama showed that he is sensitive to the needs of Guam and
all Pacific islanders," said Congresswoman Bordallo.  "I made the
point that our visitor industry will grow with the inclusion of
Chinese and Russian visitors.  I also told him that Guam's goals are
similar to those expressed by Vice President Biden last month in China
to make it easier for Chinese tourists to visit the United States.  I
thanked the President for including cover over provisions in the
American Jobs Act and for his concern for the economies of the
territories.  I also reminded him that we were disappointed that he
had to cancel his scheduled visits to Guam last year and that our
invitation still stands and our welcome mat is always out."