by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - A public hearing is being held on Resolution 4 introduced and supported by Speaker Judi Won Pat, Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz, Senators Tom Ada, Michael San Nicolas and Rory Respicio. The resolution rejects Section 30 funds to be used as a funding source for the payment of war claim's to the survivors of the Japanese occupation.

Shortly after her inauguration Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo reintroduced The Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. The new version includes an offset which intends to use Section 30 monies above Fiscal Year 2012 levels to be used to pay for war reparations. Bordallo was first to testify and said that she would prefer not to have to find an offset for the legislation but it is part of the stringent budget rules for the republican led house of representatives. Bordallo noted that the offset is in authorizing language only. If the bill were to pass she would work with the Obama Administration to seek a separate appropriation for war claims without impacting additional Section 30 funds.

She invited lawmakers to work with her to come up with other ideas and solutions.