Senators fast-tracked a bill to provide $500 in utility relief and are headed into emergency session on Wednesday at 2 p.m. They're expected to fulfill Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero's promise to help keep the lights on at home. It's apparent that there's help to give, but how to give it continues to be debated as some lawmakers say she should do it the ARP way.

"ARP monies cannot be used because they are very specific it has to be pandemic related," he said. "This increase in fuel for our utilities is a result of geopolitical conflict and it is a result of the Ukraine conflict. It is a result of supply and inventory of crude oil throughout the United States. It is not a result of the pandemic."

But in her memo to legislators, Speaker Therese Terlaje cited the impact of the pandemic as a reason for the session, saying "conditions exist involving danger to the public health or safety." And Del. Michael San Nicolas, who's challenging the governor in the Democratic Primary, said ARP can be used.

"We need to really make sure that we follow the guidance on this, otherwise we could stand to have the federal government or U.S. treasury ask us to return the monies," the governor said. "So that is why I am very very cautious about that."

Up north, utility relief for those in the NMI comes from ARP, leaving some Guam residents asking "why not us?"

"They are giving direct cash to the individuals," the governor said. "We are giving the assistance directly to GPA and that is the difference."

But that relief on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota came through the CNMI Department of Finance who credited the funds to each ratepayer under the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation. Back on Guam, the governor said there have been various forms of direct relief through federal funds that have already been provided.

"To make the argument that we are not putting money into the hands of the people is a totally misinformed, misrepresented, and so much politicizing of our people's struggles," Leon Guerrero said.