Madeleine Bordallo

It is only through strong partnerships, international rule of law, and strength that we can deter aggressive and autocratic behavior that threatens our homeland and many citizens of the world.

Pivoting inward is not an option.

We believe very strongly that Congress needs to come forward and lead a national debate on these issues.

We are the indispensable nation, and it would be terrible to pretend otherwise.

I stated in my opening statement about the FY 2017 NDAA passed in December included $9.5 million to enhance the dry-docking capabilities in the Western Pacific.

I am pleased that the FY 2017 defense appropriations bill... included $9.5 million to enhance dry-docking capabilities in the Western Pacific.

We cannot build our way out of this problem, that is, its costly and unsustainable proportion.

Although it will take longer than a couple of years, I am encouraged that the Navy intends to commit itself with the FY 2017 appropriations and presumably the FY 2018 budget to focus on fixing and then stabilizing readiness, especially…

I value the opportunity to hear, just not the Active, but also the Reserve Components as we seek to get a full picture of our military readiness.

You definitely are putting Guam on the map.

I do very much appreciate the work that this subcommittee made in developing the fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill.

I am concerned that the President's rhetoric and actions weaken our alliances, undermining American leadership while creating a power vacuum in the region that China and Russia appear eager to fill.

I thank the chairman, and I appreciate that he took the time to stop on Guam in October to see and understand the strategic value of our island and also better understand, firsthand, some of the unique challenges. It was a real honor, his…

Votes cast by Members of Congress make us accountable to our constituents.

I will also add my name to the chorus of people who believe the Senate should ratify UNCLOS.

On Guam, we are particularly concerned with the PLA [People's Liberation Army] Navy's increased presence in the South China Sea.

So you do agree then.

I believe the United States should use our diplomatic power and influence to bring about a swift resolution to this matter.

To any of you, though both situations would be ideal, which fiscal remedy would help build back readiness most effectively over the long term? Increased funding or stable predictable budgets?

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

Just as it will take time to build back readiness, these issues, of course, did not arise overnight.

We know that readiness shortfalls exist, from degraded maintenance capabilities to reduced training hours, and we need to address them.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and good morning to all our witnesses. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing about some of the challenges and the solutions that we are facing with regard to aviation readiness across the…

I appreciate this amendment being made in order. It is time that we bring resolution to the people of Guam and all U.S. citizens who have suffered under enemy occupation during World War II. We found an offset to address its costs, which…

Thank you very much, Madam Chairwoman, Ranking Member, and members of the panel for your testimony this morning.