Madeleine Bordallo

Guam is facing a fiscal crisis, as are other U.S. territories, that mirror the Federal tax code.

I am dismayed that the President's budget, for the second time, proposes to eliminate discretionary compact impact grants.

I would like to see commercial enterprise take us there.

I am very familiar with the importance of a resilient logistics chain, and I do thank you for your efforts to bolster support to our military forces around the globe.

Please get back to us. It is important.

My concern is that linking budgeting to the number of full-time employees does not reflect accurately the unique maintenance public safety needs at our refuges.

Mr. Smith, can you then get that report back to my office?

The directive reflects the fact that locally hired staff have less turnover, especially in remote but very important national park units like Guam's War in the Pacific National Park.

Delegate Bordallo asked about a requirement regarding local hiring in the enabling legislation for the War in the Pacific National Historical Park.

The people of Guam are concerned about this and want to be very secure.

Dry docking on Guam is a critical component of depot-level ship repair.

Can you tell this committee that you will be outfitting planes and other equipment that has been inoperable for years

We want to support your efforts to rebuild readiness and recovery from the budget uncertainty caused by sequestration and continuing resolutions.

I am concerned that the fiscal year 2019 budget request fails to properly resource the accounts that help address these shortfalls.

I look forward to hearing from you, the senior Marine Corps leaders, on the current readiness of the Marine Corps Active and Reserve Components.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And thank you to our witnesses for being here today. Gentlemen, the U.S. Marine Corps holds a special place in my heart and the hearts of the people of Guam.

So it should be no surprise to you that the Readiness Subcommittee continues to be alarmed with the state of naval readiness in the Pacific.

Since I have been here on the Armed Services Committee, they have always been very supportive of Guam.

I want to thank Admiral Harris for keeping an eye on Guam ever since you have been in your present position.

Considering our strategic importance, is Guam adequately defended from theater missile threats?

The people of Guam are proud to host the continued bomber presence and one leg of the nuclear triad.

I am concerned regarding the U.S.

And I yield back, Mr. Chairman.

I hope that we can continue our positive dialogue and work on a solution that supports American jobs and our readiness in the region.

I appreciate your comments during this hearing and your leadership in ensuring adequate ship repair capabilities, especially in the Pacific.