HE Top Loading Clothes Washer - water drainage
My Sears Kenmore top loader washer machine tub has a construction where there is a donut shaped compartment built around the bottom of the tub. It has water inside of it!!

A couple of years ago when I replaced the tub bearings I was mildly surprised to note this interesting construction. It did not leak or pour out when I had removed the tub during the repair. I can only guess that the water plays a role in the dynamics of the tub motion in conjunction with baffles inside the water compartment.

So I would guess that this is normal for your GE washer tub as well.