Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo Wednesday discussed Guam’s missile defense during a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee regarding the National Defense Strategy and Nuclear Posture Review. Congresswoman Bordallo is a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee where she also serves as the top Democrat on the Readiness Subcommittee. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Paul Selva, testified before the Committee.
During the hearing, Bordallo underscored the importance of Guam’s security and strategic importance, especially giving rising threats from North Korea. She requested an update on adequacy of Guam’s defense capabilities and the Department’s strategy to bolster security. Secretary Mattis highlighted the multi-layered systems in place to protect Guam, including the deployment of THAAD at Congresswoman Bordallo’s request and Navy ships equipped with the AEGIS weapons system. Secretary Mattis also committed to consistently evaluating the need for additional assets and bolstering resources should they be needed.
“Ensuring Guam’s security is of the utmost importance and today I spoke directly with Defense Secretary Mattis about the need to maintain adequate defenses on Guam given the threats posed by North Korea. I appreciate the Secretary’s recognition of the systems already in place to protect island—including THAAD and AEGIS weapons system—and his commitment to enhancing our defensive capabilities as needs arise. I will continue working in Congress and with the DoD to keep our island safe and protected from any threats to our people.”