[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 43 (Monday, March 13, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       INTRODUCTION OF THE ORGANIC ACT OF GUAM REFORM ACT OF 2017

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                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 13, 2017

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to 
amend the Organic Act of Guam to prohibit salary changes for the 
Governor of Guam, the Lieutenant Governor of Guam, and Senators of the 
Guam Legislature until after a general election of the Legislature has 
passed. During last year's election, the people of Guam made clear that 
they disapproved of salary changes made in previous years for the 
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and members of our Legislature, and my 
bill would ensure that any changes to the salaries of our local elected 
officials are appropriately deliberated and considered consistent with 
how Congress handles these matters.
  The Organic Act of Guam establishes the framework of the Government 
of Guam but it is silent on provisions regarding changes in salary for 
the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or members of the local Guam 
Legislature. Changes can be made and implemented at anytime simply by 
changing local law, and this has caused division in our community. Over 
the past several years, local policymakers and the people of Guam have 
debated pay increases that were proposed and instituted shortly after 
the 2014 general election. While I believe that these issues are up to 
local policymakers, and ultimately the people of Guam to decide, the 
Organic Act should provide safeguards regarding salaries for these 
elected officials that will prevent divisiveness in our community. The 
bill that I am introducing today would prevent the Governor, Lieutenant 
Governor, and Senators from increasing their salaries until after an 
intervening election of the Legislature has occurred. This is similar 
to the 27th Amendment to the Constitution that prohibits Members of 
Congress from increasing their pay until after an intervening election, 
and it is consistent with a request made by the Guam Legislature for me 
to introduce an amendment to the Organic Act for this purpose.
  This bill is a step towards improving accountability for elected 
officials in Guam and is consistent with public opinion in Guam and the 
views expressed by the Guam Legislature. I encourage its adoption and 
urge my colleague to pass this legislation.

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