DELEGATE MOYLAN INTRODUCES GUAM HOST COMMUNITY COMPENSATION ACT TO ADDRESS GUAM'S INEQUITIES WITH COFA RENEWALS
NOVEMBER 7, 2023 -FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DELEGATE MOYLAN INTRODUCES GUAM HOST COMMUNITY COMPENSATION ACT TO ADDRESS GUAM'S INEQUITIES WITH COFA RENEWALS
(Washington, D.C.) As the discussions commence on the Compact of Free Association (COFA) renewals, Delegate James Moylan introduced a series of amendments to the COFA renewal agreements to address Guam's concerns. They include:
• The continuation of language in 2003 agreements which authorized annual reimbursements for COFA host communities, inclusive of Guam.
• The requirement of a Memorandum of Understanding, which would require a collective effort of local law enforcement entities and federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons, to move COFA migrants convicted of felonies to federal authorities, thus removing them from the expenses and authority of the local government.
• Mandating language in the COFA agreements that any FAS migrant permanently relocating to Guam provide evidence of employment or education.
"While we anticipate much reluctance with our amendments, either from the opposition party in Congress, or with the White House, the reality is that it is imperative that we express the issues with the COFA and its renewals with committee members. If any entity can attest to the challenges, it would be Guam. We can't just sit on the side and allow the federal government to dictate the terms of these agreements without providing the realities of the impact this would have on our community and our home collectively," stated Delegate Moylan. "While Congress believes that the Compact Impact Fairness Act (CIFA) is the solution, and sadly, because Guam had no active participation or awareness in the process last year, the reality is that it does nothing to address the public safety and societal concerns which many in our community have expressed. Our team has and continues to place its foot down on the process until equitable solutions are identified. We refuse to be pushed aside," added Delegate Moylan.
The House Natural Resources Committee shall commence the discussions on the COFA renewals this month, which are set to replace the agreements that expired in September of this year. Delegate Moylan, who has a vote in the committee, has expressed to continue to be a no vote in the process until the issues related to Guam are brought to the attention of the committee and resolutions addressed. Since Guam chose to have no active participation in the COFA renewal agreement process last year, many on the hill have assumed that the CIFA amendments would benefit all host communities in the capacity of a "one size fits all," Delegate Moylan expressed his disappointment.
"We are seeking a hearing on our amendments. We are also asking for a healthy conversation with pertinent department heads of our local government, particularly our law enforcement entities, where statistics are very alarming. I want to thank the leadership of GPD and DOC for sharing pertinent statistics, particularly with conviction and arrest numbers," stated Delegate Moylan. "Guam can't be asleep at the wheel on the road of this vital discussion. We will continue the fight to ensure equitable results are identified. It won't be an overnight result, but we will continue the process, as our community and island deserve no less," added Delegate Moylan.
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