Moylan Presses Philippine Visa Waiver, Coast Guard Priorities With Dhs Secretary Mullin

(Hagåtña, Guam) — Congressman James Moylan pressed Guam’s priorities directly with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin during the Secretary’s stopover on Guam Thursday, focusing on expanding the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines and strengthening Coast Guard capabilities in the region. 

Moylan emphasized the economic opportunity that increased travel from the Philippines could bring to Guam while maintaining the screening, information-sharing, and security safeguards necessary to protect the island and the nation. 

“Including the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program remains a top priority of mine,” Moylan said. “This is an opportunity to strengthen our tourism economy and deepen our ties with the Philippines while ensuring the proper safeguards remain in place.” 

Moylan also recognized Guam Senate Majority Leader Jesse Lujan for his advocacy on the local and regional front and CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds for her work to advance the effort federally, including developing legislation aimed at adding the Philippines to the program. 

“I appreciate Senator Lujan’s leadership and Delegate King-Hinds’ work to move this forward,” Moylan said. “This is a shared priority for Guam and the CNMI, and I’m excited to work with Delegate King-Hinds when Congress returns to session to keep building on this effort.” 

The meeting was hosted by Capt. Jessica Worst, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. Moylan also emphasized the need for additional Coast Guard personnel, aircraft, vessels, and resources in Guam to strengthen regional patrols, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, support humanitarian response, and strengthen the Coast Guard’s presence throughout the region. 

“Guam is on the front lines of America’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific,” Moylan said. “Strengthening the Coast Guard’s presence here gives us greater capacity to protect our waters, combat illegal fishing, respond to emergencies, and strengthen America’s partnerships throughout the region.” 

“I appreciate Secretary Mullin taking the time to hear directly about Guam’s priorities,” Moylan added. “We have important work ahead, and I’ll continue working with our federal and regional partners to deliver results for Guam.” 

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