Administrations still waiting on war claims MOU with Treasury

There's still no MOU between the governor's office and the Treasury department.


Today was the target deadline to get an agreement signed so the administration can begin processing local war claims checks. They need the deal to ensure GovGuam is reimbursed for the payments.

Chief of staff Tony Babauta has been the point man for the talks with treasury.

"They are still reviewing it but we've been in communication, there doesn't seem to be any flags that are being raised right now, I think its just part of their process," he said. "We would've loved to have had them meet our deadline of today, which is still Thursday on the mainland, but we're still working with them very closely and we will continue to do so."

The administration is also keeping a close eye on congressman Michael San Nicolas' Bill 1365 which would authorize Treasury to release millions of dollars for war claims payments that have been on hold because of a technical flaw in former delegate Madeleine Bordallo's legislation. San Nicolas has warned that the new law signed by Governor Leon Guerrero authorizing interim local payments are drawing concerns in congress. But Babauta, a former interior department assistant secretary, says it's not unusual for members to raise concerns about funding.

Nestor's folder, 01-10-20, clip TONYBsot
217 And I'm told that they still have some questions because not everyone in the congress understands how section 30 works for Guam. And so being able to understand it I think is just a small hurdle that needs to be overcome, and I'm certain they'd be able to find that information out either through talking to their house counterpart or even talking to the department of interior or Delegate san nicolas' office himself. 236



Babauta believes the members just need to understand that the payments will not come from treasury's general fund, and that its money already allocated to Guam that's been set aside to pay war claims.