Omnibus budget agreement passed by House

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The House today passed the omnibus budget agreement. HR-35-47 appropriates nearly a half-billion dollars for military construction projects in Guam, a part of which will fund civilian infrastructure projects. A part of the $481 million will also go toward construction projects for the Marines relocation such as a hangar and hardening of assets at Andersen Air Force Base. Although Guam delegate Madeleine Bordallo said she appreciates that appropriators provided strong funding assistance to the territories through the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular affairs she is concerned that the bill cuts $3 million to OIA's technical assistance account. Technical assistance grants Bordallo says provide much needed assistance to territories for a variety of projects, including in areas of public health, safety, and education.  The bill heads to Senate for consideration.