Congressman James Moylan went before village mayors on Wednesday, where he shared updates on the work being done in D.C. to support Guam, from grant opportunities to the reintroduced Supplemental Security Income Equality Act.

“It’s only right that all the territories should also be included. It’s just a matter of where we find the budget for that, but the fight continues on and we’re united with the other territories that are also excluded from this,” said Moylan. 

Moylan also shares he’s exploring solutions to make mail services more efficient for residents who experience long wait times at the post office, at Inalahan Mayor Anthony Chargualaf’s request. 

Though one suggestion was visibly met with raised eyebrows. 

“His suggestion is recommending the mayor’s office to become certified or at least have that mail delivered to the mayor’s office, while we figure out all these other postal requirements to get their actual boxes they need. In the meantime, allow the mayor's office to distribute their mail to their residents,” said Moylan. 

KUAM caught up with the delegate following his presentation. 

He shared that several congressional and staff delegations are expected to visit the island in the near future. 

“We’re working with Joint Region Marianas on setting that up and making those appointments. But that’s good for us because a lot more of DC staffers, also the Senate side too and the White House side are coming over to Guam to have a better understanding in support of what we need, for the defense and what the island and people of Guam need to maintain our resources and support our One Island approach,” added Moylan. 

On the funding front, Moylan's office submitted more than 400 requests for federal dollars in the upcoming budget cycle. 

He plans to work closely with the senate CODEL to ensure what passes in the House doesn’t fail in the Senate. 

“Since it’s on recess, there was some difficulty getting that started on the appropriations side. So we’re addressing that when we get back in September, starting on the 2nd. There’s several appropriation measures that we have requested, made the amendments to, that we have to fight for to make sure it happens,” said Moylan. 

And while challenges remain, the delegate says he’s focused on a strong ‘One Voice approach,’ to ensure the territory isn’t overlooked. 

He just met with Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Admiral Brett Mietus this morning and with the Governor last week. 

“We were discussing that we all say the same thing in support so we have ‘one voice’ when these delegations and staffers come on over. Then when they go to DC, we echo each other. Likewise, I have my regular meetings with the governor too so we’re all saying it together,” said Moylan. 

That communication will be key in the coming months to get DC behind the critical federal support needed for Guam. 

KUAM asked, “How confident are you that we will be able to get those funding priorities?”

“Well, you’re never a hundred percent. That’s why you can’t give up. It’s like being in a team, you think you’re the best and win the game, but you can’t. You have to keep on going, and going, and going. As long as we do our part, that’s what we want to do,” replied Moylan. 

Meantime, Congressman Moylan is expected to meet with more constituents next week. 

He's hosting a community town hall on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Ordot Chalan Pago Mayor’s Office. 

It's an opportunity to ask questions, share your perspective and engage directly on issues shaping the island.