The economic provisions of the individual compacts with the FSM ad Marshall Islands will expire in 2023 and for Palau , 2024 .

The extension of funding packages is the United States ’ fence against the expansion of China ’ s diplomatic clout in the Pacific island region .

Late last month , a U . S . government team led by Joseph Yun , special presidential envoy for Compact negotiations met in San Francisco with the FSM team

led by Leo A . Falcam Jr ., to continue negotiations on economic assistance , federal programs , and other matters related to the compact and subsidiary agreements between the two nations .

“ The candid and quality discussions that we have shared with the Federated States of Micronesia team assures me that the special and unique ties between our two nations are indeed enduring ,” Yun said . “ The U . S .’ priority remains to complete our negotiations that are mutually beneficial and satisfactory , and in as timely a manner as possible .”

“ Our FSM team remains grateful for our continuing collaborative work with our U . S . partners , and I am encouraged by the open and frank nature of our discussions

. Although a significant amount of work remains in our deliberations , I am confident that our common interests and goals will enable us to complete an agreement that is mutually beneficial and reflective of our unique and special relationship ,” Falcam .

“ Our bilateral discussions , both at the official and technical levels , continue to progress and advance and we remain optimistic and hopeful that we can complete significant portions of the negotiations by this fall ,” said Department of the Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Keone Nakoa .

Both sides plan to continue technical work and discussions in advance of the

next formal round of negotiations scheduled to begin no later than August 2022 , at a location to be determined .

For Marshall Islands , the chief negotiators for the two sides agreed to target signing a memorandum of understanding before the fiscal year ends Sept . 30 .

In addition to extending U . S . funding support , Marshall Islands leaders are seeking U . S . support address certain issues at the Kwajalein missile range , to resolve its nuclear weapons test legacy that has left islands uninhabitable due to high radiation levels and continues to cause health problems for many islanders , and to bring climate adaptation and mitigation measures into the agreement .

( Mar-Vic Cagurangan )

Telena ...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

to apply to Guam ? How would you work for Guam ’ s interests on this issue ?

The Jones Act should be modified to address today ' s global economy and allow for greater competition and less monopoly of the maritime industry . As

your congresswoman .

Guam plays a key role in the U . S . political strategy in Asia and the Indo-Pacific region . Do you believe that Guam is being treated fairly and justly compensated for the role it has been given ? If not , what changes in Guam ’ s relationship with the U . S . would you work on during your term and how do you propose to achieve

these changes ?

Guam plays a critical role in the U . S . political strategy , being recognized as a strategic location within the second island chain . Therefore , we need to reassert our geopolitical importance . I believe that because of these realities and observing the political actions that China is taking towards Taiwan and the economic endeavors they are taking

within Micronesia , Guam has enormous potential to demand greater cultural , social , and economic parity .

As your congresswoman , I will work to reaffirm Guam ' s geostrategic and political value within the House of Representatives and the Senate and work to secure a seat on the Armed Services Committee and possibly on subcommittees in education and commerce .

Judith ...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

outs . Guam ’ s people have a strong economic case and I would advance it in Congress .

Personally , I think that , as an island , we need to take active steps to reduce our reliance on imported foods and goods . We should focus resources to

support local farming and food production , encourage circular economies , and position ourselves to embrace sustainable development .

Guam plays a key role in the U . S . political strategy in the Indo-Pacific region . Do you believe Guam is being treated fairly and justly compensated for the role it has been given ? If not , what changes in Guam ’ s relationship with the U . S . would you work on and

how do you propose achieving these changes ?

I believe we need to start with the premise that Guam is important . This is the reason there is so much national security infrastructure in Guam . It is up to us to use this value in ways that are not limited to Guam ’ s military importance .

We cannot just let our people be treated unfairly while decisions about national security are carried out as though

they are separate and apart from the security of our families and our experiences as Guamanians and CHamoru .

Our security as families , as a people , should be considered in the first instance when making decisions about national security that involve Guam .

I intend to serve on the Armed Services Committee and make this point clear .

James ...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Guam ’ s relationship with the U . S . would you work on and how do you propose achieving these changes ?

I don ’ t believe Guam is being treated fairly and justly compensated for the role that we play . Whether it be not having SSI , or not obtaining additional federal support for our schools , prison and hospital , considering the costs that have escalated for our island due to

being a part of the COFA agreement .

We need to build relations and allies in Congress . This will help Guam negotiate for more equity .

We need to strive towards an improved status because it will help better position Guam on the table .

If there is indeed a red wave heading toward Congress , particularly in the House , then Guam should be in a better position to build these relationships if a Republican is sent to Congress .

26