A resolution to commemorate World Water Day drew lengthy debate during legislative session today. But the impassioned speeches were directed more at certain language in the measure opposing the controversial firing ranges at Andersen Air Force Base.

The resolution by Senator Sabina Perez includes clauses critical of the live fire training ranges being built at Northwest Field. It links them to potential contamination of the island's main water source, the northern lens aquifer. It further calls on United Nations special representatives to come Guam and report back on the impact of the military buildup.

Supporters applauded the insertion of the highly-charged language, while detractors said the issues raised belong in a separate, standalone resolution.

"We've been at this for many terms. Our people know the details of this project. I liken it to say, its hard to say, to abuse right. Abuse can happen many, many times, but once somebody sees from the outside that something of harm is happening then there is a greater likelihood of it stopping," said Perez.

Senator Joanne Brown said, "As I read the resolution, where I had concerns is when we went from talking about the importance of safe drinking water to what is becoming an interpretation of an almost an anti-military resolution. If that was the agenda, then call it what it is. Then we can debate that issue."

Senator Frank Blas, Jr. added, "This basically infers that all of that activity happens on the base, and that it happens on a military facility, and its gonna happen on a live fire training range. When in fact a lot of that activity also happens in the community on the other side of the fence. and what are we doing to address that?"

And Speaker Therese Terlaje said, "I just refuse to have the record show that we said nothing! And we said its okay, its not okay! And the reason why despite all their promises of taking care of these areas, and we are going to plant a forest somewhere else to replace those we have destroyed over the aquifer."

"It leaves our future generations with a bigger threat, with potentially less resources, and I feel it is all of our duty here Is to protect these resources for them."

The resolution was moved to the Third Reading File for later voting. Session resumes Tuesday morning.