Bordallo Statement on North Korea

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today issued the following statement regarding North Korea’s claims that it has successfully tested and detonated a hydrogen bomb. She raised her concerns today during a meeting with Navy leadership, including Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson, and Commandant of the Marine Corps General Robert Neller.

“The reports that North Korea has successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb are concerning. If true, this action is destabilizing to the region and it undermines the security of the international community. While this is still being verified, we cannot allow North Korea to continue on this path, which could have serious repercussions to its neighboring nations as well as our partners and allies in the region. Today I met with Navy leadership and expressed my concern with this situation. They reassured me that they are paying closing attention and will maintain a forward presence in the region to protect our interests and people.

“However North Korea’s actions do highlight Guam’s strategic importance. The ongoing rebalance effort, including the realignment of Marines from Okinawa to Guam, is critical to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and deterring actions such as this from escalating further. Additionally, the basing of the THAAD missile battery on Guam is an important asset that will protect our community from long-range missile threats from adversaries in the region. I am confident that our community remains safe from any threats from North Korea.”