SENATORS present for the meeting with visiting Congressman Joe Wilson and Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo are now more optimistic with regard to the military buildup.
Sen. Judi Guthertz, chairperson of the military buildup committee, said the whole purpose of the meeting was to hear directly from Wilson and Bordallo. She said the island’s senators now feel reassured about the buildup.
“We have a lot of support from Congressman Wilson. He’s a good friend of Guam. He’s proven himself an advocate for the buildup. He’s also been supportive of our request for a China visa waiver,” she said.
For Sen. Rory Respicio, majority leader, the meeting also gave him and his colleagues an opportunity to express their concerns. Respicio said he was pleased to hear Wilson address the issue of sequestration.
“The immediate concern with sequestration is we have to protect the local jobs we already have,” he said. “Although the military buildup will bring jobs, we don’t support that because we want to protect the jobs already here.”
“I really appreciate the fact that he was honest enough to recognize that the problem was with the U.S. Congress and the Department of Defense,” added Vice Speaker Benjamin J.F. Cruz.
For his part, Minority Leader Sen. Frank Blas Jr. said he was appreciative of Wilson’s candor and support for issues that concern Guam, including health care, especially with regard to Federated States of Micronesia citizens who are not part of the federal healthcare package.
“I agree with Vice Speaker Cruz. Because FSM citizens were not included, these individuals don’t have the opportunity to enjoy affordable health care,” Blas said.
Sen. Aline Yamashita said it’s always helpful when the lines of communication are open.
“I thought he was interested and concerned. I’m hoping that he will try to help us strengthen the support that our veterans and families don’t get,” she said of Wilson.
