STATEMENT FROM DELEGATE JAMES MOYLAN: "GUAM'S VOICE WAS CLEARLY HEARD DURING TODAY'S HEARING"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- JANUARY 18, 2024

STATEMENT FROM DELEGATE JAMES MOYLAN
"GUAM'S VOICE WAS CLEARLY HEARD DURING TODAY'S HEARING"

(Washington, D.C.) It was certainly a historic moment for Guam, as the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a hearing on H.R. 6273, which our office introduced. The Guam Host Community Compensation Act proposes to 1). Reinstate the annual reimbursements to Guam as a COFA Host Community, 2). Involve federal authorities when a COFA migrant is convicted of a felony, and 3). Require evidence of work or education prior to a COFA migrant relocating to Guam.

It is a historic moment because, for the first time in many years, the voices of Guam were heard on a federal agreement which directly impacts Guam's limited resources. This long overdue hearing was geared toward Guam, and I would like to thank Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Mayor's Council President Jesse Alig for their participation as witnesses. Their testimonies were valuable and further evidenced the need for reimbursements. This united, bi-partisan, effort will certainly help move Guam further.

The questioning by committee members certainly led to an educational opportunity, as one message was evident: Guam needs additional support to manage legal migration authorized by the federal government. We are a popular jurisdiction for COFA migrants, because of many similar aspects. While the Compact Impact Fairness Act (CIFA) will provide certain federal benefits for COFA migrants, it does nothing to assist our local General Fund expenditures associated with public safety, education, and several other services.

Another key message that was raised is that Guam is indeed a hospitable island, and we continue to support our brothers and sisters from the blue continent with the prospect of providing greater opportunities for their families. But we are also an island with limited resources, and without the additional support of the federal government, these COFA agreements will further shortchange the potential services we can provide island residents already residing in Guam.

Our team will continue to work with the committee to fine tune HR 6723, inclusive of identifying a funding source to offset this new expense. Unlike the previous Congress, this leadership requires the identification of funds before advancing such measures, which is a responsible approach. I would like to thank Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman, Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Teresa Leger Fernandez for ensuring Guam's voices were heard today. These members have joined me on a trip to Guam. They have spoken to individuals within our community, and because they understand, they will support any reasonable effort to help improve our beautiful island.

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