Guam Del. James Moylan is pushing for a one-year extension of funding to cover Guam's expenses for hosting migrants from Micronesia.
His proposed amendment to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) seeks $16 million for this purpose.
The 20-year compact impact funding expired on Sept. 30, with the 2024 budget not renewing it. Instead, the Biden administration's proposal allocates $537 million directly to the citizens of freely associated states living in host jurisdictions.
Moylan is actively communicating with colleagues in Congress to protect Guam-related measures and amendments, including extending the H2-B visa cap exemption to address labor shortages for civilian projects. Despite a setback of the absence of a House Speaker early in October, Moylan is determined to see these efforts through.
In addition to these initiatives, Moylan is focused on finalizing the NDAA's national defense strategy objectives, authorizing budgets for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, and supporting various defense initiatives.
He also announced the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act, co-sponsored by Democratic Reps. Kevin Mullin (CA) and Ed Case (HI), aiming to restore benefits and quality healthcare for Filipino veterans who served in World War II and provide need-based death pensions to their survivors.
