Sen. Barrasso: The security of U.S. Territories is more important now than ever

On Feb. 9, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), delivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing to discuss the state of the U.S. Territories.

The hearing featured testimony from the governors of the U.S. Territories, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico.

Barrasso called the hearing a great opportunity to discuss the importance of the territories and that Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are not only vital to U.S. national security interests, but are also home to American citizens and nationals.

The Wyoming Senator also remarked that the territories in the Pacific are on the frontlines of Chinese aggression.

“As I have said before, Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific is a serious and growing threat,” Barrasso said. The Senator added that the security of the U.S. Territories is now more important than ever.

Barrasso said Guam is also home to several U.S. military installations and key to maintaining U.S. military power in the region.

“Over time, China has ramped up its military threats against Guam,” Barrasso said. “It has conducted drills near the territory and has developed missiles that are capable of reaching the island.”

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is home to thousands of Americans, Barrasso said. He stated the chain of islands, known for its rich history and beautiful beaches, is also important to U.S. national security due to its proximity to East Asia.

“Our partnership with Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands benefits not only the people of the territories but also the nation as a whole,” he said. “During a time when China is working to expand its economic and military influence, we must maintain a strong presence in the region.”

Barrasso acknowledged China’s illegal global fishing operation has also impacted U.S. territories in the Pacific, stating the people of American Samoa regularly face what the Senator called an “illegal assault.”

“They have suffered serious economic setbacks as a result of China’s fishing practices,” he said. “I look forward to hearing how they are responding to these illegal activities.”

Barrasso said he is also interested to hear about the effectiveness of the U.S. Coast Guard, which now regularly patrols the waters of the western Pacific.

A number of the Compacts of Free Association, integral to the Freely Associated States, the security of U.S. territories and U.S. strategic interests in the region will expire this year. 

Barrasso called the agreements a central part of preserving international maritime security, maintaining geo-political stability, as well as countering Chinese hostility and said he looks forward to working with members of the committee on that issue going forward.

“It is important to acknowledge that the governors before us today represent territories that are home to patriotic Americans, who enlist in our armed services at very high rates and serve with distinction,” Barrasso said. “We owe them a debt of gratitude.”

To view the full committee hearing on the State of U.S. Territories, click here.