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Bordallo statement on Trump’s SOTU speech
Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU) and Guam Society of America president Aylene Mafnas prepare to attend President Trump’s first State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress. (Contributed Photo)
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU) issued the following statement yesterday about President Trump’s State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress.
She was joined by Aylene Mafnas, president of the Guam Society of America, who viewed the address from the House Gallery as Bordallo’s guest.
“Tonight President Trump delivered his first State of the Union, outlining his administration’s priorities for the coming year. The President spoke on the need to rebuild our military, and while I am supportive of efforts to strengthen our national security, we must also ensure that we are investing in domestic programs and remove the burdens of sequestration on both defense and non-defense programs.
“Importantly for Guam, the President spoke on how he will engage with North Korea and the Kim [Jong Un] regime’s threat to U.S. national security and the security of our region. I continue to urge diplomacy and hope the administration will work cooperatively with the international community to avoid actions that could lead to a military conflict.
“The President also discussed the GOP tax law that passed last December. I remain very concerned with the negative impacts the GOP tax law will have on GovGuam as it applies the law to Guam’s local tax system. Early last year, I warned local leaders to prepare for the consequences of tax reform and look into ways to insulate Guam’s treasury from revenue decreases. Congressional Republican leaders did not give Democrats, or even many of their own Republican members, any say in developing this law, but I will work cooperatively with Guam’s leaders to safeguard our community as it is implemented.
“Finally, President Trump stated that he wants to work with both Republicans and Democrats to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. The past year of chaos and division cannot become the norm. I hope that he lives up to this commitment and leads efforts to unify our country so that we can do the business of the American people.” (PR)
