The House of Representatives just passed H.R. 8998, Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025, which included several amendments proffered by Delegate James Moylan that would benefit Guam.

The amendments are as follows:

Appropriates $5 million for the restoration and improvement of the War in the Pacific National Park in Asan, which essentially was introduced as part of the commemoration of Guam’s 80th Liberation Anniversary, and the significance of the park with Guam’s Liberation, and to honor the many servicemembers and civilians who made the ultimate sacrifice to liberate the island.

Appropriates $1 million to support the Guam Department of Agriculture’s programs for supporting native birds, university-based fisheries research, and technical assistance and support.

Appropriates $2 million to support the Guam Department of Agriculture’s conservation efforts for Guam’s native species through the state and tribal wildlife grants.

Appropriates $600,000 to provide for a study on sites of cultural and historical significance across Guam, and recommendation on the designation of such sites as National Historic Sites or National Historic Landmarks. These designations are eligible for federal funding under the Historic Preservation Act.

Appropriates $1 million from the Cooperative Endangered Species Fund to support the Guam Department of Agriculture’s efforts in conserving Guam’s endangered wildlife, including the Ko’ko’ bird (Guam Rail).

Appropriates $1 million to further collaboration between the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the Guam Department of Agriculture in conserving Guam’s native species.

Appropriates $27 million from the Smithsonian Institution account to encourage expanded procurement, display, and educational outreach detailing the Indigenous culture of the United States Pacific Islands, inclusive of the CHamoru culture. This would enhance a better understanding and education of Guam, and other Pacific Island nations in the Smithsonian.

“We are excited that several of our amendments passed and made the final version of H.R. 8998, which passed the House and will move on to the Senate. The efforts to secure some funding to improve the National Park in Asan will enhance the commemoration of our 80th year of liberation. While funding was in place for 2026, we believed it was only appropriate to expedite it now,” said Moylan.

“We also focused on the conservation efforts of our native species, and to support the Department of Agriculture’s various programs, including fisheries research. The two that I am very excited about is securing funding for a study of our cultural and historical sites, to try and secure future federal funds. The funding for the Smithsonian would expand not just an education of the Pacific Island nations within the museum, which hosts thousands of visitors daily, but it would also expand the true significance of Guam and other island nations in a larger perspective,” he added.

Of the hundreds of amendments proffered and included in H.R. 8998, Moylan led the way with seven approved amendments.