A bill to take away the governor's power to extend a public health emergency without legislative approval was narrowly approved by an 8 to 7 margin during session today. The measure by Senator Chris Duenas requires that after the first 90 days from declaration, the governor must get the senate's okay to continue. But, the legislation faces almost certain veto.

We asked the governor at her press conference friday if she'd sign such a bill, her response: absolutely not. "I'm very adamant about this. This is a very dangerous piece of legislation. It's totally irresponsible," said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.

She says if the legislature wants to end a public health emergency, they already have the power, by law, to do so. But the republicans issued a statement saying the legislation does not seek to terminate it, but rather it requires the executive branch to be "more forthright with their actions." in a compromise amendment, democrat Majority Leader Telena Nelson made it 90 days after the initial declaration before the governor has to seek senate approval for extensions.

"You know how quickly the legislature cannot move, and to even say 90 days. I don't think they should have the authority to renew the public health emergency every month," she said.

Republicans insist it's not a legislative power grab, but rather "an elevation of the authority to promote checks and balances." and in response to testimony from the pandemic front line agency heads, the gop says it will not impede their work. But as she said, the governor is adamant that the current process is working and she will continue it as long as necessary.

"And you know again, guided by advice from the medical community, from the science community, from data on whats going on around, because we're very much impacted by whats going on around our island," she said.

"In order for us to get this financial aid, we have to be a declared public health emergency, and by law the individual that does that is the governor of Guam."

Voting no on the measure were Democrats Amanda Shelton, Clynt Ridgell, Jose Terlaje, Tina Barnes, Sabina Perez, Joe San Agustin and Republican Mary Torres.