Guam is between Iraq and a hard place. Given the cumbersome need for flyover rights as well as the need to seek prior approval of allies. our Nations mobility and capacity for independent action must increasingly rely on mobile forces. friendly faces. and dependable bases. Guam fits this bill and is proud to play a key role in both the strikes against Iraq and the ongoing humanitarian mission for providing safe haven in the Pacific for the Kurdish refugees. I am grateful for the advance notice and consultation which the White House gave to my office for the latest operation and I hope this level of consultation will continue for any future and sudden change in military activity on Guam. I also urge the Department of Defense to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the refugees as well as the community of Guam during the time that it takes to process the refugees for resettlement in the continental United States. But Mr. Speaker. while Guam remains a cornerstone of Americas strategic reach in the world. we on Guam are at times concerned that we are ignored in calmer times. at those times when we craft policy for the territories and for Guam specifically. Guam has had a long relationship with the United States militaryin fact. Guams relationship with the United States in issues of land. immigration. political status change is always evaluated with an eye to the consequences for Americas power projection and strategic reach. We are proud to play a part in the security of the world. but we should be rewarded for our role rather than penalized or ignored. Guam should be given additional consideration rather than less consideration and Guam should be treated according to its contribution rather than utilized on the basis of its value.
Keywords matched
refugees immigration