The legislation was introduced by Representative Yadira Caraveo from Colorado, would authorize rural hospitals, behavioral health facilities, and clinics (including mobile clinics) to use Rural Development grants and loans to update health IT, refinance debt obligations, operating expenses, telehealth, and support ancillary needs.

The Guam Memorial Hospital, the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, and other local clinics would qualify for these financial benefits.

“We are happy to see the language of this legislation make the base text of the Farm Bill. If enacted, this would provide additional funding options through the USDA Community Facilities Program for GMH, Guam Behavioral Health, and many other entities on island to address basic needs to improve their services, care, and operations. This would include low interest loans and grants,” said Delegate Moylan.

“I thank Rep. Caraveo for asking me to be the GOP lead, on this important measure, which greatly benefits communities such as ours. We look forward to continuing our efforts to secure the needed support to ensure the language remains in the final product of the Farm Bill,” he added.

The Farm Bill is Congress’s major omnibus measure, which addresses agricultural and food policies, among other priorities. It is estimated to be discussed in the House of Representatives in June of this year.