GOP Conservatives Oppose Guam War Reparations; Hold Up Omnibus Territories Bill

Washington D.C. – Key Legislation for the NMI and Guam has advanced in the U.S. Senate but GOP objections to a key Guam provision makes it unlikely the full Senate will act on the bill this year.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee reported S. 1237 to the full Senate, including a key provision by Congressman Greg ‘Kilili’ Sablan to effectively end-run the labor secretary and automatically extend the transitional Commonwealth-only worker program 5-years through 2019.

But it was the expected cost of Guam war claims that staffers say, caused four panel Republicans to bolt making it unlikely the bill will get last-minute Senate ‘ok’ this year by ‘unanimous consent.’

Top energy Republican Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said, “on s.1237, the Omnibus territories, Senator Alexander has asked to be recorded as ‘no,’ as well as Senator Lee and Senator Scott and Senator Barrasso.”

Companion legislation in the House hasn’t even had a hearing and could also face Conservative opposition over cost in an election year – even while Guam’s Madeleine Bordallo argues the estimated 80-million dollar cost is paid for through Section 30 tax rebates on Guam.

The Guam war claims language limits payments to living survivors, raped, injured, interned or subjected to forced labor or marches or survivors of those who died in war.

Earlier versions covered decendents of survivors a category dropped in a 2011 compromise among Bordallo, Senator John McCain and others.

Bordallo’s office understands the work still ahead in changing minds, but argues it’s the first time any Senate committee’s reported out war claims.

Other key provisions: an Interior Department-developed energy action plan approved by the secretary to cut fossil fuel imports and develop domestic sources, a requirement federal agencies waive local grant matching requirements of 500-thousand dollars or less, required preference for Guam U.S. citizens over legal aliens for housing aid, extending a long-term foreign investor program in the NMI, and continued NMI exemption from accepting asylum applications.

Meantime, the Senate was still expected to pass overnight, a House-approved compromise 2014 defense budget that authorizes almost half-a-billion in military spending for Guam and eases restrictions on spending Japan funds for Guam projects—including site improvements at north ramp on Andersen Air Force Base.

Going at your own pace and even continuing traditions can help ease some of those feelings, says Josh Klapow, an associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health.

“Personal issues don’t magically go away because the calendar turns to November or December,” he says. “Problems with relationships, jobs, finances or health can take on enhanced importance during the supposedly ‘merry’ holiday period.”

The death of a loved one during the holidays can trigger strong feelings, even if the death occurred several years ago, Klapow says. In the case of someone who died recently, the holidays can take on a whole new meaning for their family and friends.

Lizama tries to share with others experiencing similar grief that it’s OK to feel the way they do. He also lets them know there are others who can relate to their situation.

Lizama and his wife, Joyce Sosa, helped start the Guam chapter of The Compassionate Friends, a support group for parents who have lost children.

The group recently brought families together to help decorate their Christmas tree at Guam Premier Outlets for the Annual Shieh Su Ying Charity Tree contest sponsored by Dr. Thomas Shieh. Earlier this month, the group also held its second candle lighting ceremony in honor of lost loved ones.

“The whole point is that we ask them to never forget,” Lizama says. “And always to celebrate it the way you want to celebrate it. If you want to celebrate it with your child or want to celebrate alone, that’s also a good way to do it.

“But we also encourage them to not do something. If they feel awkward around other family members, then they can celebrate by themselves so there are no thoughts of anyone else telling them what they should be doing for Christmas,” he adds.

Hafa Adai and Happy holidays
Anna

Perish the thought we should follow the lead of Germany or anybody else in ending this fools’errand.