Next Monday, February 5, 2024, at 9:00 AM, my office will be holding a public hearing on Resolution No. 260-37(LS) and Resolution No. 179-37(LS) in the Public Hearing Room of the Guam Congress Building. I encourage the public to come testify on both pieces of legislation.
Resolution No 260-37(LS) is “Relative to Supporting Guam’s efforts in the U.S. Congress with H.R. 837 which seeks to reaffirm the ties between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines, and to further support the U.S. Philippines Mutual Defense Commitment.”
Resolution No. 179-37(LS) is “Relative to requesting the United States Congress and the Biden Administration to favorably consider providing multiyear funding needed to harden Guam’s infrastructure to meet the goals of installation resiliency and ensure Guam is capable of withstanding future natural and manmade threats and disasters.”
Both resolutions, if passed, will document, and put on the record, our people’s support of very important issues. Resolution 260-37 demonstrates, as an island, we need to support the defense of the Republic of the Philippines. Maintaining stability and security in the Philippines is central to safeguarding the well-being and strategic interests of Guam. Resolution 179-37 highlights the tremendous need to upgrade our island’s public infrastructure. With our geo-strategic location, the increasing U.S. Military presence on our island, and our history of typhoons, we are long overdue for infrastructure upgrades and hardening. Recent events, such as Typhoon Mawar and the various cybersecurity breaches, underscore the urgency for much-needed upgrades.
I hope to have public participation for both of these resolutions, as they greatly affect the well-being of our island. Our partnership with the Philippines is significant. We have strong economic, cultural and familial ties with the Philippines. Supporting the defense of the Sovereignty of the Philippines from China is crucial. China must stop bullying the Philippines. The security of the Philippines is key to regional security and fundamental to Guam. It is important for the people of Guam to voice their support for the U.S. – Philippines Mutual Defense Commitment.
Additionally, we need to emphasize the hardships our island has experienced due to the lack of support for our infrastructure and utilities. In fact, we are still suffering the consequences of power outages caused by typhoon Mawar. This should not be the case. We need the Federal Government to bring Guam up to a standard that is befitting our geographically advantageous position in the Indo-Pacific theater and as a host to key military installations. If possible, I ask members of the public to please join me and other policymakers to voice our support and concerns and provide public comment. Your participation is welcomed and encouraged. Si Yu’os Ma’åse.’ Thank you very much. Maraming Salamat Po.
Jesse Lujan is a Republican senator in the 37th Guam Legislature.
Source: The Guam Daily Post