James C. Moylan

Moylan Outlines Legislative Milestones, Federal Investments & Priorities for Guam in 2026 Congressional Address

Position: The release highlights legislative accomplishments and federal funding for Guam, and states support for reducing the cost of living through measures including restoring the $800 de minimis exemption for U.S. territories, pursuing Jones Act relief, and addressing airfares via the Pacific Island Flight Alternatives Act.

(Hagåtña, Guam) — Congressman James Moylan delivered his 2026 Congressional Address Friday evening at the Guam Congress Building, highlighting legislative accomplishments, federal investments secured for Guam, and his continued efforts to lower the cost of living, strengthen the island's economy, and expand opportunities for Guam's families. Addressing members of the 38th Guam Legislature, government leaders, community partners, and residents, Moylan reflected on nearly four years of congressional service, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation, strong federal partnerships, and ensuring that Guam's priorities are represented in Washington. “Let’s build a Guam where a good job can support a family, where our children can pursue their ambitions, and where growing older does not mean having to leave the place we love. That is the future I will keep working for, with everyone willing to help us get there. It is an honor to serve you. Through every challenge ahead, my commitment remains: Guam first. Guam always”, said Congressman Moylan. Among the major legislative accomplishments highlighted was House passage of two standalone bills introduced by Moylan during the 119th Congress: the Deliver for Veterans Act, which would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover shipping costs for adaptive vehicles provided to eligible veterans, and the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act, which would provide qualifying students from Guam and other U.S. territories access to in-state tuition at covered public colleges and universities. Moylan also highlighted federal funding secured for FY2026 to support critical road infrastructure, healthcare, public safety, emergency preparedness, housing assistance, and community facilities across Guam. Building on these investments, his office has submitted 20 additional Community Project Funding requests totaling nearly $145 million for FY2027, aimed at addressing further infrastructure needs and strengthening essential services throughout the island. A central focus of the address was the rising cost of living. Moylan outlined ongoing efforts to expand Guam's access to affordable energy, pursue Jones Act relief and greater shipping competition, and address high airfares through the Pacific Island Flight Alternatives Act. He also reiterated his push to restore the $800 de minimis exemption for Guam and other U.S. territories, citing the financial burden that increased shipping costs, fees, and administrative requirements place on residents and local businesses. The Congressman further discussed efforts to strengthen Guam's food security through expanded local agriculture, aquaculture development, and opportunities for local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen to supply fresh products to military installations. On economic development, Moylan highlighted initiatives to expand Guam's role in Navy ship repair, improve federal contracting opportunities for locally owned businesses, strengthen workforce training, and support tourism through the proposed inclusion of the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. He also discussed plans to pursue major regional summits on Guam to generate additional economic activity and strengthen the island's role in the Pacific. During the address, Moylan recognized the late Sergeant Major Juan Ogo Blaz, whose nomination for the Medal of Honor has advanced to presidential consideration following a favorable determination by the Secretary of War. Blaz's daughter, Darlene, was also recognized as the Congressman reflected on her father's extraordinary courage and military service. Other priorities included establishing a Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office on Guam, expanding access to passport services, advancing radiation exposure compensation legislation, and ensuring that the ongoing military buildup creates meaningful opportunities for Guam's workers, businesses, and communities. Looking ahead, Moylan introduced his vision for stronger coordination between Guam's elected leadership and the federal government through the Guam-Federal Consultation Act, legislation that would establish a formal consultation process involving the White House and Guam's leaders to address federal policies affecting the island's future. The Congressman also acknowledged Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio for their eight years of service and recognized the collaboration between their administration, local agencies, and his congressional office in advancing Community Project Funding priorities. Throughout the address, Moylan emphasized that Guam's progress depends on sustained engagement in Washington, cooperation among local leaders, and a shared commitment to building an island where future generations can live, work, and thrive. ###

Moylan Announces Historic Final Step to Award Medal of Honor to Guam Hero Sergeant Major Juan Ogo Blaz

Position: Congressman Moylan announced that the nomination to upgrade Sergeant Major Juan Ogo Blaz's Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor awaits presidential signature and expressed support for awarding the honor.

(Hagåtña, Guam) — Congressman James Moylan announced during a press conference Wednesday morning that the years-long effort to award the Medal of Honor to the late U.S. Army Sergeant Major Juan Ogo Blaz has reached its final stage, with the nomination now awaiting the approval of signature from President Donald Trump. Joined by Blaz's daughter Darlene Blaz and his wife Dionisia Blaz, local leaders, and Guam veterans, Moylan shared the historic development following a favorable determination by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth supporting the upgrade of Blaz's Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor. The announcement marks the closest Guam has ever come to securing the nation's highest military honor for one of its own. Following the President’s signature, Blaz will become the first ever CHamoru servicemember from Guam to receive the Medal of Honor. “As a U.S. Army veteran myself, this moment is deeply personal and emotional. Sergeant Major Blaz represents the very best of who we are as a people. His extraordinary courage and sacrifice reflect generations of sons and daughters of Guam who have answered our nation's call to serve,” said Congressman Moylan. “For an island whose people have given so much in defense of our country, this recognition would be more than an honor for one extraordinary warrior. It would be a profound acknowledgment of the patriotism, courage, and sacrifice of generations of Guam service members. We have come closer than ever before, and we will soon finally see Sergeant Major Blaz receive the recognition he so rightfully deserves.” During the press conference, Moylan recounted the extraordinary acts of valor that earned Blaz the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second-highest military decoration for valor. On January 18, 1969, during the Vietnam War, Blaz, then a Staff Sergeant serving with the 82nd Airborne Division, assumed command after his platoon leader was wounded. Under intense enemy fire, he helped evacuate injured soldiers and led an assault against enemy positions. Despite suffering a wound to his shoulder, Blaz continued fighting. When his platoon was pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire, he charged across a ravine to silence an enemy weapon, sustaining a second wound in the process. Refusing medical evacuation, he continued risking his life to mark enemy positions with smoke grenades, enabling supporting helicopter gunships to strike their targets. Only after the enemy positions had been neutralized did he accept medical treatment. Moylan emphasized that the historic milestone represents years of sustained advocacy and cooperation among Blaz's family, Guam veterans, congressional colleagues, and senior defense officials. During his first term in Congress, Moylan worked alongside Colonel Danny Santos to advance the effort. In 2024, he successfully offered an amendment to the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act authorizing the President to award Blaz the Medal of Honor. He also entered letters from Guam veterans and community leaders supporting Blaz's recognition into the Congressional Record. Moylan continued advocating directly with senior defense leadership, personally raising Blaz's case with Secretary Hegseth during his visit to Guam and maintaining subsequent dialogue with the Department of War. He also joined former Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo at the Pentagon, where they discussed the case directly with Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll. Most recently, Moylan led a bipartisan congressional letter joined by 16 Members of Congress formally urging President Trump to grant final approval for Blaz's Medal of Honor. Sergeant Major Blaz passed away on September 3, 2024, at the age of 78. Just months earlier, Moylan had personally informed Blaz that the House had advanced legislation authorizing the Medal of Honor for his service. Following his passing, Moylan honored Blaz on the House floor and pledged to continue pursuing the recognition on his behalf. Darlene Blaz, daughter of Sergeant Major Blaz reflected on the historic moment. “My heart feels quite heavy, and yet, it has never felt more light. Heavy, because it saddens me to know that my father is no longer with us to experience the reality of this long awaited moment—his moment, and knowing that it is one step away is incredibly exciting,” said Blaz. “We are truly grateful for the people who made this possible. Congressman Moylan, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Danny Santos, you have played a big role over the years campaigning towards this effort. It’s hard to believe this moment is becoming a reality. Fifty seven years is a lifetime. Although I am saddened that my father is not here, I know he is in spirit.” Wednesday's press conference also brought together members of Guam's veteran community and local leaders, including Army Veteran Vice Speaker Tony Ada and Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane, Chairperson of the Committee on Health and Veterans Affairs, in recognition of the significance of this milestone for Guam. With the nomination now awaiting the President's final signature, Moylan expressed optimism that the long-awaited recognition will soon become a reality, honoring not only Blaz's extraordinary heroism but also the enduring legacy of military service and sacrifice among the people of Guam. ### Read the full press release with attached letters here. Issues:Veterans

Congressman Moylan Highlights Guam Priorities at 2026 IGIA Midyear Senior Plenary Session

Position: Congressman Moylan urges federal assistance for the Guam Power Authority, including joint procurement, access to domestic refining capacity, and expedited FEMA reimbursements, to lower energy costs and protect ratepayers. He also calls for restoring the de minimis exemption for Guam, SSI parity, Radiation Exposure Compensation Act reauthorization, Jones Act and air cabotage relief, and expanding the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines.

(Hagåtña, Guam)Congressman Moylan delivered remarks during the 2026 Midyear Senior Plenary Session of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA), hosted by the U.S. Department of the Interior, highlighting efforts to lower the cost of living on Guam while pressing for further federal action on energy costs and other priorities impacting island families. The September 29 virtual meeting brought together federal officials, territorial governors, and congressional representatives from Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. Moylan joined Governor Lou Leon Guerrero in representing Guam during the territorial officials presentations. “We should not be satisfied with simply discussing our issues. We must remain committed to improving the lives of residents of the territories and delivering on the things that matter: lowering costs, improving healthcare, growing the economy, and making the territories a place where Americans can raise their families,” said Congressman Moylan. Moylan placed particular focus on Guam’s high energy costs and the need for greater federal investment in the Guam Power Authority, calling for efforts to strengthen and underground Guam’s power infrastructure while providing relief to ratepayers. “We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for the Federal Government to work together with us to address the real and immediate need to protect ratepayers and to help mitigate the price spikes that are driving up costs on our island,” Moylan said. The Congressman urged the Federal Government to assist GPA through options including joint procurement, greater access to domestic refining capacity, and expedited outstanding reimbursement requests from FEMA. Moylan also raised several other Guam priorities, including restoring the de minimis exemption for Guam and other U.S. territories outside the U.S. Customs Zone, Supplemental Security Income parity, reauthorization of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, Jones Act and air cabotage relief, expanding the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines, childcare affordability, economic and workforce development, and stronger federal services for Guam’s veterans and rural communities. Moylan emphasized that Guam’s challenges require sustained coordination between Congress, the Administration, and territorial leaders, particularly as federal policies continue to have an outsized impact on the island’s economy, infrastructure, and cost of living. The Congressman concluded by emphasizing the need to turn continued federal-territorial dialogue into tangible results for the people of Guam. ### Issues:Economy

Moylan, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Oz Address Health Care Access for Guam

Position: The release states that stronger Medicare funding for Guam is needed to sustain and improve health care access, and that the congressman has sought a review of Guam Memorial Hospital's federal reimbursement structure and an update to its Medicare payment rates under TEFRA.

(Washington, D.C.) — Congressman Moylan met with Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), to discuss health care affordability, federal reimbursement, and access to quality care for Guam. During their discussion, Dr. Oz emphasized the challenges communities face when health care resources and services are limited. “What you earn shouldn’t determine the health care that you access or whether your hospital has the resources to treat you,” Dr. Oz said. “But for too many communities, getting care has meant strained clinics, limited services, or care that’s out of reach altogether.” During the discussion, Moylan pointed to stronger Medicare funding for Guam as an important step toward addressing those challenges. “We’re working to change that for the people in Guam. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we secured stronger Medicare funding for our territory, giving our medical centers more resources to serve our people,” Moylan said. “You know what that means? It means more reliable care closer to home, investment in the equipment and staff our islands need, and a health care system built to last,” Dr. Oz said. For Guam, federal reimbursement remains critical to sustaining health care services. Guam Memorial Hospital receives reimbursement through both Medicare and Medicaid, and Moylan has sought congressional support for examining the hospital’s federal reimbursement structure. His efforts have included a request to update Guam Memorial Hospital’s Medicare payment rates under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act. The House Appropriations Committee has also raised concerns regarding the Medicare payment methodology used for Guam Memorial Hospital and urged CMS to examine the feasibility of updating the hospital’s payment rates. Beyond reimbursement, Moylan and Dr. Oz also discussed health care affordability, including the difficulty some patients face when they cannot afford medications prescribed by their doctors. “For families across our island, this is about more than dollars and cents,” Moylan said. “It’s about making sure people get the care they need without fear of a system that can’t support them.” Strengthening federal reimbursement and access to care can help keep more resources on Guam and allow more residents to receive treatment closer to home. Moylan said his office will continue working with CMS and the Administration to strengthen federal reimbursement and expand access to affordable, quality health care for Guam. ###

Moylan, Territories & Commonwealths Caucus Press Administration for De Minimis Relief

Position: The Caucus is urging federal officials to meet and find administrative solutions to restore de minimis customs treatment for U.S. territories, and Congressman Moylan supports H.R. 5960, the Territorial De Minimis Exemption Act, which would permanently provide a de minimis exemption for territories outside the U.S. customs territory.

(Washington D.C.) — Congressman Moylan, along with fellow members of the Congressional Territories & Commonwealths Caucus, sent a letter to key federal officials pressing for a meeting with the Administration to address recent de minimis changes affecting residents and businesses across the U.S. territories. Moylan was joined by Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (D-Puerto Rico), Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D-U.S. Virgin Islands), and Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI). Together, the members requested a meeting with representatives from the White House, Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Postal Service to discuss recent duty collection requirements affecting mail originating from the territories and work toward a resolution for their constituents. The Caucus raised concerns over the elimination of the $800 de minimis exemption and the resulting changes to customs processing requirements. While the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment was intended to address broader trade concerns, the members said its application is now affecting individuals and businesses in U.S. territories outside of the U.S. customs territory. “This is affecting people across the territories, not just Guam,” said Congressman Moylan. “That is why we are raising this issue together. Our residents and businesses already deal with higher shipping costs and fewer options. We should be looking for ways to make things easier for them, not adding another hurdle. We want to sit down with the Administration, work through these concerns, and find a solution that recognizes the realities our communities face.” The members noted that Guam, the CNMI, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands already face unique logistical and economic challenges, including higher shipping costs, geographic isolation, and limited transportation options. They expressed concern that federal trade and customs policies can place an added burden on territorial residents and businesses when those circumstances are not taken into account. Through the requested meeting, the Caucus is seeking to better understand how the new requirements are being implemented, identify possible administrative solutions, and discuss a path toward restoring de minimis treatment for the territories. Moylan is also backing a legislative solution. Last November, Congresswoman King-Hinds introduced H.R. 5960, the Territorial De Minimis Exemption Act, alongside Moylan, Congresswoman Radewagen, and Congresswoman Plaskett. The legislation would permanently provide a de minimis exemption for U.S. territories outside of the U.S. customs territory. ### View the full press release and attached letter here.

Moylan Joins King-hinds in Introducing Marianas Tourism Advancement Act to Add Philippines to Visa Program

Position: Introduces legislation to add the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to expand tourism and business travel, and to require written determinations and consultation before most suspensions of program participation take effect.

(Hagåtña, Guam) — Congressman Moylan joined Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI) in introducing the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026, legislation that would add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. Under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, eligible foreign nationals may travel to Guam and the CNMI for business or tourism for up to 45 days without obtaining a traditional U.S. visa. The program does not authorize onward travel to other parts of the United States. The Marianas Tourism Advancement Act would expand eligibility to include the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia while maintaining federal security and admissibility requirements. For Guam, the proposal would provide greater access to several major visitor markets in the region while creating opportunities to strengthen air service, support local businesses, and diversify an island economy that continues to depend heavily on tourism. “Expanding the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program is about creating new opportunities for Guam’s economy and strengthening our connections throughout the Pacific. The Philippines, in particular, shares deep family, cultural, and economic ties with our island, and making travel easier has the potential to bring more visitors, support our businesses, and strengthen regional air service. I’m proud to join Congresswoman King-Hinds as an original cosponsor of this legislation and to continue moving this effort forward responsibly while maintaining the safeguards necessary to protect our borders and national security,” said Congressman Moylan. The measure would also change the process for suspending a country from the program. Before most suspensions could take effect, the Department of Homeland Security would be required to make a written determination based on specific concerns, consult with federal officials and the Governors of Guam and the CNMI, consider alternative safeguards, and assess the potential economic and fiscal effects on the islands. The bill preserves DHS authority to act immediately in the event of an imminent and substantial threat to national security or public safety. “The Philippines has a special relationship with the Marianas, and there is tremendous opportunity to strengthen that relationship through greater travel and tourism,” said Congresswoman King-Hinds. “Including the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program would make it easier for families to stay connected, create new opportunities for our tourism industry, support air service, and deepen the ties between our islands. Tourism is the lifeblood of our islands, and rebuilding it requires us to look throughout the region for opportunities to reconnect the Marianas with our neighbors. This legislation gives us additional tools to grow our visitor economy while maintaining the safeguards necessary to protect our islands and our nation.” The legislation builds on the work of the Guam-CNMI-Philippines Working Group, an effort that has brought together officials and stakeholders from Guam, the CNMI, the Philippines, and the federal government to advance the case for including the Philippines in the Visa Waiver Program. Guam Senate Majority Leader Jesse Lujan has helped lead the Working Group’s efforts, including discussions surrounding tourism, regional air service, traveler vetting, data sharing, and security safeguards. “This legislation shows what can happen when Guam, the CNMI, the Philippines, and our federal partners work together toward a common goal. I thank Congresswoman King-Hinds for carrying this effort forward in Congress. Adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program would strengthen tourism, deepen regional ties, and create new economic opportunities for our island,” said Senator Lujan. Moylan emphasized that the legislation reflects a broader regional effort built through collaboration among federal, territorial, and industry partners. “I commend Delegate King-Hinds for her leadership in spearheading this bill in the House,” Moylan added. “This is a truly regional effort. Alongside local leadership like Guam Senate Majority Leader Jesse Lujan and our industry partners at the Guam Visitors Bureau, we are presenting a united Marianas front to Washington. I look forward to working closely with Rep. King-Hinds and leadership in the Department of Homeland Security to advance this vital measure through Congress.” ###

Moylan Pushes to Restore De Minimis Exemption, Address Guam-Bound Mail Delays

Position: The release urges the U.S. Trade Representative to reinstate the de minimis exemption for Guam and to consider Guam's status as a U.S. territory under new tariff rules, and asks USPS for clearer guidance, support for residents using the Zonos customs platform, and more reliable Guam-bound mail service.

(Hagåtña, Guam) — Congressman Moylan met with U.S. Postal Service officials to address new customs and tariff requirements following changes to the de minimis exemption, as well as ongoing delays involving Guam-bound mail. Moylan raised concerns with USPS Government Liaison Director Jennifer Selde over the additional costs and steps residents now face when sending goods from Guam to the mainland. Under the new federal requirements, packages containing goods must go through an additional customs process before they can be mailed. The requirements do not apply to ordinary letters or documents. For affected packages, residents are now required to complete the customs process through Zonos, an online platform where they provide information about the items being mailed and pay any applicable duties. Zonos then provides the QR code needed to mail the package through USPS. The new process has has become burdensome for Guam residents mailing goods to the mainland, prompting concerns over how the changes are affecting an island community that relies heavily on the Postal Service. “These changes are creating additional costs and complications for people simply trying to mail goods from Guam to the mainland,” Moylan said. “We are raising those concerns at the federal level while also working to make the requirements easier for our residents to navigate.” Moylan has taken these issues directly to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The Congressman asked Greer to reinstate the de minimis exemption for Guam and urged USTR to consider Guam’s unique status as a U.S. territory under the new tariff rules. Restoring the exemption would remove the new tariffs on qualifying goods mailed from Guam to the mainland. In his meeting with USPS, Moylan asked for clearer guidance and greater support for residents navigating Zonos. He specifically requested that the Postal Service explore providing a Zonos kiosk or similar service at Guam post offices, giving residents without smartphones or reliable internet access an alternative way to complete the required steps. The Congressman also raised reports of Guam-bound packages experiencing extended delays, including mail being held at USPS processing facilities in Oakland, California. He emphasized that unreliable mail service can have serious consequences for residents who depend on USPS for medications, passports, important documents, and other essential items. “For Guam, reliable mail service is not simply a matter of convenience,” Moylan said. “A delayed passport can mean missing travel for a critical medical appointment. A delayed package can mean a veteran waiting for medication. To all the constituents who have reached out to my office regarding these postal issues, I hear you. Guam deserves dependable mail service and I’ll continue engaging USPS officials on these issues to improve support for our residents.”

Moylan Applauds Western Paacific Maritime Academy for Earning Federal Center of Excellence Designation

Position: Congressman Moylan congratulates Western Pacific Maritime Academy on its federal Center of Excellence designation and states that building Guam's skilled maritime workforce supports local economic opportunity. He references FY2026 NDAA language calling for a review of Guam's ship repair capabilities.

(Hagåtña, Guam) — Congressman James Moylan congratulated the Western Pacific Maritime Academy following its designation by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) as a 2026 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. Western Pacific Maritime Academy, with training locations in Barrigada Guam, and Saipan, is one of just 16 institutions newly selected nationwide for the federal designation. The Centers of Excellence program recognizes qualified institutions that have demonstrated success in training, graduating, and placing students into the maritime workforce. Designated centers support the nation’s maritime industry by preparing skilled workers for careers both afloat and ashore. “Congratulations to Western Pacific Maritime Academy on earning this well-deserved federal recognition,” said Congressman Moylan.“Guam’s strategic importance comes with an opportunity to create lasting economic benefits for our people. That means building the skilled workforce needed to support our growing maritime industry and giving our people pathways to good careers here at home. Through the FY2026 NDAA, we secured a review of Guam’s ship repair capabilities, including opportunities to expand Navy maintenance activity, strengthen our maritime workforce, and support local businesses. Western Pacific Maritime Academy’s designation as a Center of Excellence builds on that effort and strengthens Guam’s ability to prepare our own people for the maritime opportunities ahead.” The designation places Western Pacific Maritime Academy among a national network of institutions supporting U.S. maritime workforce development, supply chain capacity, and national defense priorities. The designation is valid for five years. “As Guam continues to see significant federal investment and increased maritime activity, we need to ensure our people are prepared to take advantage of the jobs and opportunities that come with it,” Congressman Moylan continued. “Having a federally recognized Center of Excellence right here on Guam strengthens our ability to train that workforce at home and positions our island to play an even greater role in America’s maritime future. I will continue fighting to expand workforce opportunities on Guam and ensure our people are positioned to benefit from this unprecedented growth.” With the 16 institutions newly designated for 2026, MARAD now recognizes 48 Centers of Excellence across 87 training locations in 28 states and U.S. territories. MARAD estimates the new designations will increase annual training capacity by approximately 20,000, bringing total capacity to roughly 58,000 mariners, apprentices, and students each year. *Attached is the relevant language on Guam ship repair capabilities and maritime workforce development included in the Joint Explanatory Statement (JES) released alongside the FY2026 NDAA. ### Full press release with attachment can be accessed here. Issues:Economy

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. ###