But the $33 million allotted for Guam’s infrastructure, school buses, a cultural artifacts repository and a mental health facility, in addition to funding for three Air Force construction projects related to the Guam Strike program at Andersen Air Force Base, were all removed from the bill.
Leading the opposition to the Guam funding, Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, said: “Let’s face it. We simply are at a level that we cannot afford under the present plan.”
But McCain was also quick to acknowledge that U.S.-Japan relations “are very important in this whole move. We cannot send a signal that America is leaving the area.”
McCain again questioned the Department of Defense’s master plan and that department’s plan to find less expensive alternatives to the Guam buildup.
McCain further stated he believed the delay of the Guam buildup should be taken advantage of “to convene a congressional commission of experts in Asian affairs with multilateral input to review our national security interest in the Pacific region over the next 30 years, and charter that commission to propose a posture for our military forces.”
In response, Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo blasted McCain’s statement and the continued opposition of her fellow Democrat, Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, to the realignment of Marine Corps forces from Okinawa to Guam.
Bordallo said the Senate’s version of the bill is inconsistent with statements of the White House, the State Department, the Department of Defense and the House of Representatives, and do not reflect an understanding of recent developments with the Japanese government.
“The statements made by Senators McCain and Levin, during debate on the NDAA in the Senate, continue to be inconsistent,” said Bordallo.
“The Senate NDAA that was brought to the floor today eliminates funding for critical military construction projects without merit, and they are not consistent with agreements made during the ‘2+2’ meetings earlier this year.
“[The United States] cannot afford to further delay the Marine realignment if we are to realize future cost savings that have been achieved because of the competitive market in Guam and if we are to maintain our national security in the Asia-Pacific region.”
She also insisted there is no need for further studies to be conducted.
“What we need is concrete action by Congress to move forward with the buildup. The Obama administration understands the current security environment in Asia, and DOD is posturing our military forces to deal with current and emerging threats in the region. I strongly oppose the Senate NDAA, and I will fight to ensure that Guam’s interests are protected when the House and Senate versions are reconciled in conference committee later this year,” Bordallo vowed.
