Leaders react to independent study
Island leaders are reacting to today's hearing in DC, saying the Department of Defense needs to move at a faster pace in ensuring this independent study gets completed and that the military buildup finally moves forward.
By KUAM NewsGuam - Island leaders are reacting to today's hearing in DC, saying the Department of Defense needs to move at a faster pace in ensuring this independent study gets completed and that the military buildup finally moves forward. Senator Judi Guthertz said, "There's nothing we can do on Guam to push this other than to ask them to please speed up it and we've done that several times. I think Senator Webb has a good grasp on the issues with reference to the Japan issues and the regional issues and he's very anxious to see the buildup move forward on Guam."
"So I'm very pleased with his comment, it's good for Guam and he has reassured the people of Guam that there's nothing here that we've done that is stopping the buildup the problem is just getting these reports completed as required by law and moving the Department of Defense to do its homework."
During today's hearing Webb had asked about the funding freeze on military related construction projects on Guam warning that it is being misunderstood on Guam. Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo assures the people of Guam that the buildup will happen, saying, "So I think as time goes on now, we pretty much settled down and we decided there are always ways that it could be changed once its determined and now we have a lesser number so this might be more appealing to some of them, but I do think it's going to happen, the Marines are going to come to Guam and I want to do it with the consent and support of everyone on Guam."
She added in a release that while she appreciates DOD clearly reviewing the contract for an independent assessment, that they be cautious when choosing an independent contractor as she is skeptical of some being considered that may have a particular point of view.