Guam - Just as sequestration nears, Governor Eddie Calvo is about wrap-up his quest in Washington, DC for more information regarding its impact to Guam. This week, of all weeks, Governor Calvo says, was the most important time to visit our nation's capital.

"This is the most important time when some of these difficult issues that are being addressed such as sequestration as well as other issues that are long-term in nature, like the military buildup, as well as the china visa waiver push for the island of Guam for Chinese tourists," explained the island's chief executive.

In a phone interview with KUAM News this morning, Calvo says following the National's Governors Conference, he was able to meet with President Barack Obama's chief cabinet officials as well as representatives from both the House and Senate Armed Services Committee. In fact, this morning he along with Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo met with Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, Undersecretary of the Navy Robert Work and other senior defense officials.

"What we discussed was some of the immediate issues regarding sequestration and what it means to Guam," Calvo continued, "as well as the longer terms picture regards to the Marine building."

Calvo says carter was clear that there would be some short-term issues regarding sequestration and what it means to the Navy, the Air Force and current operations on Guam. "But these do not change the long-term strategic views of the United States in regards to treaties to Japan and the long-term policy that involves Guam and the realignment of regions, that has not changed," he said.

Bordallo in a release today noted Carter underscored the strategic underpinnings and importance of the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific Region, adding there could be delays in the implementation of the rebalance including the buildup on Guam during fiscally-constrained times. Calvo meanwhile says he met with other key officials to learn more details on impacts to non-defense areas.

He said, "And when you talk about pneumonia and if there's going to be any reduction on border patrol officers and folks there at the airport and port and I also met with Ray Lahood, transportation secretary, that if there was going to be cutbacks on air traffic controllers, it would have a major, major impact on our economy."

And while he didn't meet with health officials, he is concerned over possible cuts including the WIC program. "Everyone realizes that unemployment rate on Guam is higher than many states, we have a great percentage of our population who are participants under these programs, so I'm deeply concerned so I'm requesting more information on that matter," he said.

Calvo adds he also met with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shineski and new senators from Hawaii. And just as March 1 approaches, Calvo is holding out hope for some compromise, saying, "And what I'm hopeful will occur, is the federal government can make an example of what is happening in Guam where you have different parties who have control of different branches of government and come together and solve the issues."

Bordallo added she appreciated Carter reaffirming their commitment to the rebalance of the Asia-Pacific Region and looks forward to continue working with the Defense Department to ensure the rebalance is prioritized in future budgets. Governor Calvo meanwhile leaves tomorrow night.