<home> -- <press releases> -- <May 14, 2003>

Fiscal Year 2004 National Defense Authorization Act
Reported out of the House Armed Services Committee:
Includes Key Provisions for Guam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 14, 2003 – Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Armed Services Committee reported out the Fiscal Year 2004 National Defense Authorization Act, which Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo strongly supported. The legislation, which authorizes the activities of the Department of Defense for the coming year, contains a number of important provisions for Guam that were included through Congresswoman Bordallo’s efforts as a member of the committee.

First, Congresswoman Bordallo successfully included an authorization for the increase in the number of nominations to a military academy that a Delegate may make. Her amendment increases the number of nominations for the Delegates from Guam and the Virgin Islands from two to three and the Delegate from American Samoa’s nominations from one to two. This is the first time since Guam originally gained territorial status that its nominations to the military academies of the Navy, Air Force and Army have been increased.

“This will open up tremendous new opportunities for the young men and women of Guam who are eager to serve our country. I am proud that Guam has so many eligible candidates seeking admission to our nation’s military academies and that Congress recognizes this need,” said Congresswoman Bordallo.

In achieving this new opportunity for Guam, Congresswoman Bordallo worked closely in a bipartisan effort with Chairman John McHugh (R-NY) and Ranking Member Vic Snyder (D-AR) of the Total Force Subcommittee, and Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (D-AS).

Second, Congresswoman Bordallo successfully worked to authorize a new pilot program that would, for the first time, specifically require that the Department of Defense consider the eradication of invasive species, not just the protection of endangered species, when developing its land use management plans for military installations on Guam. The language offered by Congresswoman Bordallo requires the Department of Defense to address the need for the eradication of invasive species that are a threat to the economy, health and human safety and military readiness. “In the case of the brown tree snake, we know it is a threat to all three,” said Congresswoman Bordallo.

Third, Congresswoman Bordallo successfully used her membership on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness to highlight the need for increased military construction on Guam. Her efforts resulted in $1.7 million being authorized for the construction of the Victor Wharf Fender System to assist with the docking of the submarine fleet home ported in Guam. In addition, $24.9 million is authorized in the legislation for the construction of a new Medical/Dental Clinic at Andersen Air Force Base.

“Guam’s military installations were hit hard by Supertyphoon Pongsona, just like the rest of our island. This authorization strengthens the military’s capabilities and builds on the military turn around that is taking place in Guam. It’s important for the Navy and Air Force and good news for our economy,” explained Congresswoman Bordallo.

In addition to securing these provisions for Guam, Congresswoman Bordallo took a strong stand against base closures, scheduled to take place in 2005. The Congresswoman supported a number of amendments offered by Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) to repeal the base closure process. “We're just coming out of a major war and I don't think its good timing to talk about base closures,” said Congresswoman Bordallo.

The legislation next moves to the floor for consideration by the House. “I will continue to ensure that these important provisions are passed by Congress and to bring continued improvements to the vital military presence on Guam.”

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Contact: Neil Weare in Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-1188 or Joaquin Perez in Guam at (671) 477-4272.