“I just think that he [Kim Jong Un] pinpointed Guam specifically this last time because we are a U.S. territory whether we had the military or not.” – Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo.
Guam – Fresh off a trip to India, Taiwan, Korea and Japan Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Congressman Rob Wittman Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee say that the recent threats by North Korea have placed Guam in the spotlight giving the U.S. and other countries a better understanding of Guam’s strategic military importance.
“Not just the United States but also the leaders in these countries as well as our military, I believe developed a deeper appreciation for what Guam does in the entire effort in providing security to the region and also the concerns that Guam has with that,” said Congressman Wittman. The member of the House of Representatives is on Guam to visit Andersen Air Force base to observe elements of the continuous bomber presence and receive briefings from the Joint Region Marianas.
“I want you to know that we’re here to look into all of these threats of North Korea, China is another problem we have, a challenge we have,” said Congresswoman Bordallo adding, “Rest assured the People of Guam, we have a strong military presence here stronger than it’s ever been since World War II so feel safe.”
“What is your reaction to people who say that it’s the military presence here that’s resulting in Guam being a target for North Korea?” asked PNC.
You know you just have to realize that everybody has a different say in this but I wouldn’t want to have no military over here and have these threats coming around anywhere near this area,” replied Bordallo adding, “I just think that he [Kim Jong Un] pinpointed Guam specifically this last time because we are a U.S. territory whether we had the military or not.”
However, she also admitted that as a delegate from an unincorporated territory her authority in Congress despite the recent notoriety that Guam has received as a result of North Korean threats, is limited.
“It’s been difficult. You know in Congress I don’t have a final vote. I can vote in committee and I have all the powers that be in that area but when it comes to final passage of a bill the territories do not have a vote. And that’s frustrating to me and it always has been and I’ve been in Congress for 15 years,” said Congresswoman Bordallo.
Bordallo says that she will return to Congress with more authority because of the publicity that Guam has received and because more people in Congress know of the military importance of Guam. Both Wittman and Bordallo believe communication and diplomacy is key to solving the issues with North Korea.
