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Bordallo addresses OIA budget cuts during hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo questioned proposed cuts to the Office of Insular Affairs contained in the President’s Budget request during a recent hearing of the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Bordallo expressed her concerns that the President’s budget reduces technical assistance to the territories by $1 million and eliminates $3 million in discretionary Compact Impact funding. She underscored that while these cuts may seem relatively small, they could have serious implications to organizations and the Government of Guam that rely on funding.
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Zinke understood Bordallo’s concerns and expressed his desire to working with her on issues important to Guam and other territories. He further expressed the Administration’s understanding of the important role Guam plays in the Asia-Pacific region.
“I am very concerned by the proposed cuts to the Office of Insular Affairs contained in the President’s Budget. The Government of Guam and many of our non-profit organizations rely on technical assistance from OIA to modernize equipment, support programming, and provide services in our community, and while relatively small, could have significant impacts on their abilities to carry out their missions.
“Additionally I’m concerned that the President’s budget also eliminates $3 million in discretionary Compact Impact. Compact Impact continues to be one of the most challenging issues impacting our community, and funding is already inadequate to meet the costs incurred by GovGuam. Over the last several years, I fought to protect this funding and will again work with my colleagues to ensure that we continue to prioritize Compact impact.
“I appreciate Secretary Zinke’s recognition of the important role Guam plays in the region and his commitment to working with me to ensure that our issues are addressed. I will continue to advocate for robust funding for Guam and the OIA programs that support our community,” said Bordallo.
