The federal government shutdown continues, and its ripple effects are already being felt far beyond Capitol Hill, including here at home. KUAM News sat down with Guam delegate James Moylan to hear his thoughts on how we got here, what’s being done, and what comes next. 

As the budget stalemate drags on in Washington, Congressman Moylan says his focus is here at home, helping island families weather the storm. He says he’s been meeting with local banks, utilities, and telecommunication companies to find ways to ease the burden on furloughed workers – through deferred payments, waived fees, and temporary suspensions of disconnections.

Moylan’s office is also working with the Department of Labor to connect furloughed employees with available resources. And while the House has already passed a “Clean continuing resolution” to keep the government open, Moylan says the Senate must now act to end the standoff.  “It’s not their fault," he said, "it’s the federal government and the Senate’s battle that they have to get taken care of.”

The congressman adding that the longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the strain – not just on workers and their families, but on the federal services that support the entire community -- also warning that taxpayers will ultimately foot the bill. Moylan cautions that delays to federal projects could trigger major cost increases in the year ahead – including for ongoing military construction tied to Guam’s defense.

He added, “We have measures regarding the Jones Act and the Cabotage Act that we need to get back there to help reduce our prices. Overall, this is going to make the prices of these projects for the defense of the nation, the protection of Guam, increase.”

“My heart goes out to our federal workers. I’m reaching out to them more. We’re visiting more agencies. We’re trying to find out more information about ICE, DEA, and the FBI as well to see how they’re managing. Social security and the Veterans Affairs that we have in Tiyan, too.”

Congressman Moylan has also been in contact with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero to align on local relief efforts – and says he’ll continue pressing congressional leadership to understand Guam’s unique position in the Indo-Pacific Region. He said, “You want to protect the nation? You better protect the territory of Guam because of our Indo-PACOM situation.”

“We’re here to service, to get this corrected, and to ensure that the nation provides for this island and the people of Guam – not just the federal [side], but everybody living on the island of Guam.”

For those affected by the shutdown, Congressman Moylan encourages residents to reach out to his office for assistance or guidance at (671) 922-6673 or james.moylan@mail.house.gov.