Acting Gov. Mike Cruz met with the visiting congressional delegation and discussed issues and concerns relating to Marines’ relocation from Okinawa to Guam.
“I stressed to them the need to ensure that the buildup must not be exclusively beneficial for the military personnel, dependents and support staff coming to Guam, but must also improve the quality of life for the 170,000 residents already living here,” Cruz said. “I highlighted the fact that the relocation of Marines to Guam was a national decision, and its success requires a national commitment of support.”
Rahall, who represents West Virginia, chairs the House Committee on Natural Resources and has oversight of the insular areas.
Accompanying him were Congressman Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa, Congressman Henry Brown of South Carolina, Congresswoman Donna Christensen of the Virgin Islands, Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan of the CNMI and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo of Guam.
“This was a great opportunity to discuss regional issues with respected members of Congress,” said Cruz. “As chairman, I believe that it is critical that Congressman Rahall and his committee realize that our region has an abundance of natural resources, and they must do what they can to preserve and protect our environment as the buildup takes place.”
