Political Quotes

“I commend the progress of the committee on this particular issue, which is a very important issue to the people of Guam, in order to make sure that there is adequate compensation for migration from the Freely Associated States, mostly from the Federated States of Micronesia to Guam. I am pleased to note that today's bill is a big step in the right direction, as it includes a $1 million increase above the President's budget, a proposal of $4.58 million in Compact Impact Aid, bringing Guam's total amount to $5.58 million. This amount still does not reach last year's final amount, and my amendment would have increased Compact Impact Aid by $5 million. Even the GAO recognizes that the actual impact to Guam is over $12 million. The Government of Guam thinks it is a little bit closer to $19 million. But in any event, it is clear that the Compact Impact assistance that Guam is receiving under this Interior appropriations bill is clearly inadequate. It is particularly critical at this time because Guam has just undergone the impact of two storms, Chata'an and Ha Long.”