James C. Moylan

MOYLAN URGES DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO FAST-TRACK HOUSING ALLOWANCES FOR GUAM’S FEDERAL CIVILIAN WORKFORCE

Position: Congressman Moylan advocates for the Department of War to expedite implementation of the Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) for civilian federal employees stationed in Guam, ensuring equitable housing benefits across all department services.

(Washington D.C.) — Congressman James Moylan has urged Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to begin implementation of the Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) for civilian employees in Guam. A provision in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act sponsored by Moylan ensures that the previously excluded employees who have a permanent duty station on Guam receive the same housing benefits as off-island hires. Congressman Moylan said timely implementation is essential, particularly as cost-of-living pressures continue to affect recruitment, retention and overall readiness across the Department, “My office has been contacted by numerous constituents seeking updates on the status of implementation. These inquiries reflect both the urgency of the issue and the real financial strain faced by federal employees awaiting clarity,” Moylan said. The Congressman also clarified that the statutory language and congressional intent call for the LQA implementation to be applied consistently across the Department of War services, ensuring equitable treatment for all personnel. “Limiting application to Department of Navy employees risks undermining both the spirit of the law and the operational effectiveness it is meant to enhance,” Moylan added. The goal of the provision was to retain skilled local workers and help them and their families manage the high rental costs on Guam. The LQA is administered by the Defense Logistics Agency and is a reimbursement to civilian employees for housing expenses such as rent and utilities at overseas duty stations. ###

NEARLY $60 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING SECURED FOR NEW PORT CRANES ON GUAM

(Hagåtña, Guam) — Congressman James Moylan joined Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio, and the Port Authority of Guam to celebrate nearly $60 million in federal funding to replace the Port of Guam’s three aging gantry cranes. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program and will allow the port to purchase three new Ship-to-Shore cranes. The current cranes were built in the 1980s and purchased secondhand in 2009. “Our island depends on the Port Authority of Guam,” Congressman Moylan said. “This investment is critical for Guam’s future, and we will continue fighting for the modernization of our port.” Congressman Moylan also sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy supporting the project, noting the port handles more than 90% of Guam’s imports and plays a major role in military and regional operations in the Indo-Pacific. Governor Leon Guerrero called the award “a long time coming” and praised the partnership between local and federal leaders that helped secure the funding. The announcement comes shortly after Typhoon Sinlaku impacted Guam and highlighted the importance of reliable port infrastructure. Two of the port’s three cranes were affected during the storm. Port officials say the procurement process is already underway, with bids expected to open within weeks. “This is a historic moment for Guam,” said PAG General Manager Rory Respicio. “We’ve been preparing for this for years, and we’re ready to move forward.” The Port Authority of Guam has also applied for an additional $32 million federal grant to upgrade the crane rail system as part of a broader modernization effort. “This is a major investment in Guam’s future,” Congressman Moylan added. “It strengthens our economy, our supply chain, and Guam’s role in the region for generations to come.” Please find attached, Congressman Moylan's letter of support to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in support of PAG's PIDP grant application. ###

CONGRESSMAN MOYLAN INTRODUCES PARITY FOR PACIFIC RADIATION SURVIVORS ACT TO INCLUDE GUAM IN RECA

Position: Congressman Moylan introduced legislation to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to extend federal recognition and compensation eligibility to Guam residents exposed to nuclear fallout from U.S. weapons testing, adding Guam as a downwinder area, extending qualifying exposure periods, and adding renal disease to compensable conditions.

(Washington, D.C.) — Congressman James Moylan has introduced the Parity for Pacific Radiation Survivors Act, legislation to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to extend federal recognition and compensation eligibility to Guam residents exposed to nuclear fallout from U.S. weapons testing in the Pacific. The bill updates RECA to include Guam as a downwinder area, extends the qualifying exposure periods to reflect the full timeline of documented fallout, and adds renal disease to the list of compensable conditions. These changes would allow eligible Guam residents who developed qualifying illnesses to apply for federal compensation and formal recognition under RECA, consistent with benefits already provided to other downwind communities. Congressman Moylan has consistently pressed federal agencies, congressional committees, and House and Senate leadership to acknowledge the documented fallout that reached Guam following U.S. nuclear testing in the Pacific. The introduction of this bill continues his long-standing effort to secure long-overdue recognition for Guam’s radiation survivors. “Our community has waited generations for the federal government to acknowledge what the science has already shown,” said Congressman Moylan. “I have fought for this from day one, and I will continue fighting until Guam is fully included and justice is delivered to our survivors and their families.” Federal and declassified reports confirm that Guam was exposed to radioactive fallout from 67 atmospheric nuclear tests conducted in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1962. Scientific studies support treating Guam the same as other downwind communities already recognized under federal law. Congressman Moylan also thanked the Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors (PARS), its members, and its President Robert Celestial for their close collaboration with the office and their longstanding advocacy on behalf of Guam’s radiation survivors. He continues to work alongside fellow advocates, survivors, colleagues, and federal partners to correct this decades-long injustice and ensure that Guam is not forgotten. Joining Congressman Moylan in calling for long-overdue federal recognition, Senator Therese Terlaje stressed the need to correct the continued exclusion of Guam’s radiation survivors from RECA coverage. “It is unjust that the U.S. Congress excluded the cancer patients of Guam from RECA coverage, said Senator Terlaje. “Our people suffer the same pain as those in other U.S. jurisdictions as a result of radiation exposure from U.S. nuclear testing. It is both just and urgent that the United States Congress extend federal resources and recognition to the U.S. citizens of Guam who were directly impacted by U.S. nuclear testing in the Pacific and who continue to endure its lasting consequences.” Moylan said the legislation aims to deliver long-overdue recognition to survivors and honor the families of those who spent decades fighting for justice on behalf of Guam’s radiation survivors. “Many of the those who first raised their voices about radiation exposure are sadly no longer with us,” Moylan said.“We owe it to them, and to every family still carrying this burden, to finish what they started and secure the recognition they never lived to see.” ###

Congressman Moylan Joins Bipartisan Effort to Improve Military Discharge Review Process for Veterans

Position: Congressman Moylan supports legislation to improve the military discharge review process by maintaining staffing levels at discharge review boards, requiring Department of Defense reporting on processing timelines, and increasing transparency to reduce delays for veterans, particularly those with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

(Washington, D.C.) — Congressman James Moylan, alongside Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11), introduced the Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation to improve the military discharge review process and ensure veterans receive fair and timely consideration when seeking to upgrade their discharge status. The legislation focuses on reducing delays for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), conditions that often impact discharge status and access to earned benefits. Specifically, the bill would maintain staffing levels at military discharge review boards through 2030, require the Department of Defense to report to Congress on processing timelines, and provide recommendations to improve efficiency. A public summary of these findings would also be made available to ensure transparency and accountability. For many veterans, discharge status can determine access to critical benefits, including healthcare, housing assistance, and educational opportunities. However, longstanding delays and administrative barriers have made it difficult for veterans to navigate the review process and receive the support they have earned. Congressman Moylan emphasized the importance of ensuring that the system works efficiently and fairly for those who have served, particularly for veterans in Guam and across the Pacific who may already face additional challenges accessing federal resources. “Our veterans should never have to fight another battle just to receive the benefits they earned through their service,” said Congressman Moylan. “When delays stretch into years, especially for those suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, the system is failing them. This bill takes a critical step toward accountability, transparency, and faster decisions for those who need it most.” Congressman Walkinshaw underscored the need to address systemic delays and ensure the review process works for all veterans seeking relief. “Veterans carrying the effects of trauma and invisible wounds deserve a system that works as efficiently as possible as they seek fair reviews of their military discharge status,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “That means adequate staffing, timely reviews, and a clear look at the bureaucratic hurdles standing in their way. Veterans answered the call to serve our country, and it is our responsibility to make sure the system works for them when they come home.” This bipartisan effort reflects a broader commitment in Congress to address systemic challenges within the military discharge review process and ensure that all veterans are treated with the dignity and fairness they deserve. ###

STATEMENT: Temporary Jones Act Waiver for Oil and Fuel Transport

Position: The representative supports temporary waivers of the Jones Act to allow foreign vessels to transport fuel, citing benefits for fuel cost stabilization and cost-of-living relief in Guam, and advocates for longer-term Jones Act flexibility for noncontiguous U.S. jurisdictions.

(Washington, D.C.) – “I have been informed by the White House of the President’s decision to authorize a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act for oil and fuel shipments. While this may be temporary, it will provide meaningful relief by stabilizing fuel costs, which directly impacts the price of electricity, transportation, and the overall cost of living in Guam. I applaud President Trump for taking swift action and recognizing the need for flexibility during times of disruption. The Jones Act requires that domestic waterborne cargo be transported on U.S.-flagged and operated vessels. A temporary waiver allows foreign vessels to assist in transporting fuel supplies between U.S. ports, helping to prevent disruptions and ease price pressures in energy markets. This decision comes as global conditions continue to place pressure on oil and fuel supply chains, and I remain focused on protecting Guam from the impacts of these disruptions. I have long advocated for increased flexibility under the Jones Act, particularly for Guam and other noncontiguous U.S. jurisdictions that face disproportionately high shipping and energy costs. Through my work with the Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA), I have consistently pushed for targeted relief and long-term reforms to address these challenges. I have also worked with my colleagues, including Congressman Ed Case (D-HI), to advance several measures aimed at increasing competition and lowering costs for our communities. While this waiver comes at a time of global uncertainty, it shows that targeted flexibility can deliver real, immediate relief to our communities. I will continue working to ensure that this is not just a temporary response to a crisis, but a step toward more consistent and long-term solutions for Guam and the territories.” ###

Moylan Leads Growing Congressional Coalition for VA Regional Office on Guam

Position: Congressman Moylan supports establishing a Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office on Guam to improve access to benefits and services for the island's 20,000+ veterans, and plans to introduce legislation mandating the VA Secretary to create this office.

(Hagåtña, Guam) — Congressman James Moylan continues building momentum in Congress to establish a Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office on Guam. Moylan recently sent a letter to the VA urging the agency to establish a Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office on the island, adding 16 Members of Congress in support of the initiative and expanding a coalition committed to strengthening VA services in the Pacific. The effort builds on progress secured last year when language supporting the expansion of VA services in Guam was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (MilCon-VA). While that language acknowledged the need for a stronger VA presence on Guam, it did not include a statutory mandate requiring the VA Secretary to establish a regional office on the island. Congressman Moylan now plans to introduce new legislation that would mandate the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a VA Regional Office on Guam and has also secured commitments from the Chairmen of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee to work with him in advancing the proposal. “Last year we took an important first step by securing language in the MilCon-VA appropriations bill recognizing the need for a stronger VA presence on Guam,” said Congressman Moylan. “Today we are building on that progress by bringing together a renewed coalition of Members who support establishing a VA Regional Office on Guam.” More than 20,000 veterans living in Guam currently rely on a VA Regional Office located nearly 4,000 miles away in Hawaii to access many benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Because Guam falls within the Honolulu Regional Office’s jurisdiction, many veterans must navigate significant time zone differences when seeking assistance with their claims. This often means making late-night calls to reach VA personnel, waiting extended periods for responses, and experiencing delays in the adjudication of benefits. Establishing a VA Regional Office on Guam would bring those services closer to veterans across Guam and the broader Pacific region, helping reduce delays and improving access to in-person assistance. “Adding 16 Members to this effort shows that momentum is growing in Congress,” Moylan added. “But we will not stop here. I will continue working with my colleagues and committee leadership until our veterans in Guam finally have the direct access to VA services they deserve.” ###

Congressman Moylan Backs Bipartisan Bill to Bring SSI Benefits to Guam

Position: Congressman Moylan supports legislation to extend Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility to residents of Guam and other U.S. territories, and to modernize the program by increasing asset limits, updating income exclusions, raising benefit levels, and eliminating penalties for in-kind support.

(Hagåtña, Guam) — For decades, disabled Americans living in Guam have been excluded from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the federal program designed to help seniors and individuals with disabilities meet basic needs. Congressman James Moylan joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act, alongside Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.). The legislation would extend SSI eligibility to residents of Guam and the other U.S. territories while modernizing the decades-old program nationwide. SSI provides monthly financial assistance to individuals who are blind, disabled, or age 65 and older with limited income and resources. While approximately 7.4 million Americans rely on the program nationwide, eligible residents of Guam remain excluded despite being American citizens. “For decades, disabled Guamanians have been denied access to Supplemental Security Income. Not because they are less disabled. Not because they are less American. But simply because of where they live,” said Congressman Moylan. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is leading the legislation in the Senate, emphasized that the proposal would expand access to the program while addressing longstanding gaps affecting Americans living in the territories. “The bill also expands who is eligible because it is long overdue for people from Guam and Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa to get SSI benefits as well,” Warren said during a press conference announcing the legislation. For families on Guam, this exclusion often means parents caring for adult children with severe disabilities, veterans living with life-altering conditions, and individuals unable to work must rely entirely on family members to get by. The legislation would address this inequity by extending SSI eligibility to residents of Guam and the other U.S. territories. The bill would also modernize several outdated program rules that have not been meaningfully updated since the 1970s by increasing asset limits to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples, updating income exclusions so beneficiaries can work without immediately losing benefits, raising benefit levels to 100 percent of the federal poverty line, eliminating the marriage penalty for couples receiving SSI, and removing penalties for in-kind support such as food or housing assistance provided by family members. Representative Adelita Grijalva, a lead sponsor of the legislation in the House, highlighted how the bill would update outdated eligibility rules that often penalize individuals with even modest savings. “This bill will increase benefit amounts and asset limits so that having a minor savings account doesn’t disqualify you from getting benefits,” Grijalva said during her press conference remarks. “It will rid the punitive reductions in benefits and streamline the claiming process.” Moylan pledged to continue advocating for the inclusion of Guam residents in the federal program. “Our residents serve in uniform, pay federal taxes, and pledge allegiance to the same flag,” Moylan said. “Yet the system meant to support our most vulnerable Americans still leaves many in Guam on the outside looking in, forced to make ends meet without the support available to others. I will continue advocating for SSI for Guam, so we are no longer left behind by a system that should serve all eligible Americans equally.” ###

Congressman Moylan Co-leads Bipartisan Bill to Cap Federal Student Loan Interest Rates At 2 Percent

Position: Congressman Moylan supports legislation to cap federal student loan interest rates at a fixed 2 percent for all new loans and reduce existing loan rates to that level, arguing this would reduce long-term borrower costs and financial strain.

(Washington, D.C.) — Congressman James Moylan is co-leading bipartisan legislation with Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) to set the interest rate for all new federal student loans at a fixed 2 percent and reduce interest rates on existing federal loans above that level, providing meaningful relief for student borrowers in Guam and across the nation. Rising college costs and high interest rates have made it increasingly difficult for many students and families to manage the long-term cost of higher education. While student loan balances are often the focus of national debate, high interest rates are a major driver of long-term borrower distress, increasing repayment burdens and keeping borrowers in debt for years or even decades. The legislation addresses this challenge by establishing a fixed 2 percent interest rate for all new federal student loans. For borrowers with existing federal loans carrying higher rates, the bill would reduce those rates to 2 percent as well, while allowing borrowers to opt out and retain their current loan terms if they prefer. “Higher education should open doors to opportunity, not create decades of financial strain. For many students and families, the biggest barrier to opportunity is not getting into college—it’s the cost of paying back the loans afterward,” said Congressman Moylan. “Capping federal student loan interest rates at 2 percent is a practical step that helps borrowers reduce long-term costs, pay down their principal faster, and build financial stability. This bipartisan bill helps ensure that higher education remains a pathway to opportunity, not a lifetime of debt.” By lowering interest rates rather than forgiving principal balances, the proposal offers a practical solution to help borrowers manage their loans while avoiding disproportionate costs to taxpayers. “Too many Americans are doing everything right only to see their balances grow because of high interest rates,” said Congressman Thompson. “This bill is a simple, targeted fix. By lowering interest rates to 2 percent and locking them in for the life of the loan, we help borrowers pay down their principal faster, reduce long-term costs, and finally make real progress toward financial stability.” The measure is intended to simplify repayment, reduce the risk of loan default, and help students and families better plan for the long-term cost of higher education. ###

House Passes Moylan's Bill to Expand In-State Tuition Access for Territorial Students

(Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Congressman James Moylan’s legislation, H.R. 6472, the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act—marking a major legislative step forward and demonstrating the sustained work required to move Guam’s priorities from proposal to passage in Congress. Students from Guam and other U.S. territories are American citizens, yet many are treated as out-of-state students when applying to public colleges and universities across the country. As a result, families often face significantly higher tuition costs—sometimes tens of thousands of dollars more per year—simply because they reside in a territory. Moylan’s bill addresses this disparity by allowing students from U.S. territories to qualify for in-state tuition nationwide, expanding access to affordable higher education and easing the burden on island families The House passage of H.R. 6472 builds upon the work already accomplished in the 119th Congress, including more than $60 million in Community Project Funding secured for fiscal year 2025, over $1.2 billion in defense investments for Guam through the National Defense Authorization Act, and last year’s House passage of H.R. 877, the Deliver for Veterans Act. These milestones reflect real progress for Guam, but the work is far from finished. The advancement of this legislation reflects months of continued committee work and the building of strong bipartisan coalitions across Congress to ensure the measure could move forward. Congressman Moylan also thanked House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg for his leadership in advancing the bill through the committee process. “The passage of H.R. 6472 marks a significant step toward ensuring true parity for American students living in the territories,” Congressman Moylan said. “Too many of our students leave home to pursue degrees that simply aren’t available locally, and too often the financial burden places that opportunity further out of reach for hardworking families.” “Delivering results for Guam requires building coalitions, working across committees, and staying focused on solutions that can actually move through Congress,” added Moylan. “This measure strengthens the pipeline of skilled professionals who will help build a stronger, more resilient Guam. It’s about empowering our youth to pursue their dreams without being priced out of them, and ensuring that when they return home, they are ready to lead the next chapter of Guam’s growth.” For Guam families, pursuing higher education often means leaving the island. With limited four-year degree programs available locally, students must relocate to the mainland, absorbing not only travel and living expenses but also inflated out-of-state tuition rates. Lower tuition rates will enable more students to pursue degrees in critical fields not currently offered on Guam—including healthcare, engineering, technology, and advanced sciences—while increasing the likelihood that graduates return home to strengthen Guam’s workforce. The bill earned bipartisan backing from across the territories, with original cosponsors Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R–Northern Mariana Islands), Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R–American Samoa), Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D–U.S. Virgin Islands), and Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (D–Puerto Rico), joined by Rep. Salud Carbajal (D–California). Congresswoman King-Hinds highlighted the broader regional benefit of the legislation: “Students from the Northern Mariana Islands bring talent, dedication, and a strong commitment to their education when they pursue opportunities across the United States. H.R. 6472 helps expand access to affordable higher education by allowing students from U.S. territories to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. For many CNMI families, higher education requires significant sacrifice, and this bipartisan legislation helps open more doors for our students while strengthening pathways to build the skilled workforce our islands and our nation need.” Congresswoman Radewagen also welcomed House passage of the legislation, emphasizing its importance for students across the territories: “This is great news for our students, and a successful bipartisan collaboration. Our students deserve the best possible access to four-year university degrees. Millions of American students benefit from in-state tuition, and this innovative bill extends this sensible policy to the islands. Thank you to each of my colleagues. With passage by the full House, we’re a big step closer to fairness and making a major difference in opportunity for our students.” Congresswoman Plaskett reflected on her longstanding advocacy for territorial students: "I am proud to have Congressman Moylan, Congresswoman Radewagen, Congressman Hernández, and Congresswoman King-Hinds join me in this critical effort to address a fundamental inequity faced by residents of the U.S. territories," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "Since my first term in office, I have advocated for and introduced legislation to expand in-state tuition college access for students in the Virgin Islands and the other U.S. territories. In 2022, I secured a provision in the Build Back Better Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, that would have established a college access grants program to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for students from the small territories attending state universities. I am grateful to my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives for supporting access to equal educational opportunities and their support in passing this legislation. I now urge the Senate to swiftly take up this bill and send it to the President's desk. Our students deserve the same educational opportunities and pathways to success as their peers in the states, and guaranteeing in-state tuition rates is essential to reducing the burden of student debt and opening doors to the careers and advancement in majors which are sometimes not offered in the territories and such expansion of opportunities that will allow our children after graduation to come home and strengthen our local economy. When we invest in the futures of our students, we invest in the future of the Virgin Islands, and in the strength of this nation." With House passage secured, H.R. 6472 now heads to the U.S. Senate, where Congressman Moylan will continue working with his colleagues to ensure this legislation crosses the finish line and delivers equity for Guam’s students. ###