MOYLAN: “GUAM FEELS THE IMPACT OF THESE TARIFFS TOO. WE DESERVE THE SAME REBATE AS EVERY STATE.”

(Washington, D.C.) — Congressman James Moylan and Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (D–Puerto Rico), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Territories and Commonwealths Caucus, are pressing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to guarantee that Guam and all U.S. territories are fully included in any federal tariff rebate Congress considers.

The Administration recently floated a proposal for a federal “tariff rebate” of up to $2,000 per household, funded by revenue generated under the new tariff structure. Moylan says any such proposal must apply equally to Guam, where families feel the impact of national tariff-driven price increases just as sharply as anywhere in the nation.

“Guam families already face some of the highest costs in the country, and when national tariffs raise prices along U.S. supply chains, those increases eventually reach our island,” Moylan said.“If Congress is going to use tariff revenue to provide relief to the American people, then Guam consumers deserve their fair share. Period.”

Moylan emphasized the urgency of getting territorial inclusion locked in before legislation advances: “We’re not waiting to find out later whether Guam is covered. We’re making it clear now: if federal tariff revenues are going to fund rebate checks for American families, then our families must be included from day one.”

He added: “When Guam is part of this rebate, it’s more than policy, it’s acknowledgment from Washington that our people are Americans, equal and deserving.”

Moylan also highlighted the origins of the funding: “The tariff surplus created under the Trump Administration is what opened the door for this rebate proposal. Guam families haven’t seen a federal payout like this since the COVID stimulus, and they shouldn’t be overlooked now. Our people deserve equal treatment when relief is issued—just as they shoulder higher costs when the economy tightens.”

Resident Commissioner Hernández emphasized the bipartisan mission of the caucus, stating: “We formed this bipartisan caucus to bring greater attention and structure to the federal issues affecting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and U.S. territories. As Co-Chair, I’m committed to working across the aisle to strengthen affordability, expand opportunity, and ensure federal programs reach every corner of the United States. This effort is about responsible governance and making sure that Puerto Rico and U.S. territories have a clear voice in Congress.”

The Caucus called on Treasury to provide immediate clarity to Congress as discussions on the rebate program continue.

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