Tonight President Trump's budget bill clears a key hurdle and heads to the floor for a vote. 

House Republicans are coming closer to realizing his controversial spending priorities, including some $800 billion cuts to Medicaid. 

But Guam may not be impacted after all, according to Department of Public Health and Social Services Director Theresa Arriola. 

“We’ve analyzed the impacts coming down from the bill that just passed the House, and there is no impact on work requirements for Guam. So that’s a good thing,” said Arriola. 

As reported, Congressman James Moylan said the territory would have to redetermine medicaid eligibility and implement work requirements in the coming years. 

“”I’m not quite sure what Congressman Moylan is looking at, but I know that our Medicaid consultants and our Medicaid State Office has reviewed the congressional reconciliation bill that just came through and we’re not seeing any of that affecting Guam. It may affect the states, but it's not affecting Guam,” added Arriola. 

Unlike the states, the territory already faces a Medicaid cap. 

“We know as an island, when it comes to Medicaid, how to live within our means,” said Arriola. 

She says Guam's cap is currently at $141 million. 

The federal government covers 83% of the cost while the local government covers the remaining 17%. 

The director has been keeping a close eye on the fluid situation in DC with early morning virtual meetings with national partners.

She agrees there’s no indication that the island’s Medicaid funding is at risk. 

“However there might be some changes in tweaking how waste, fraud and abuse is eliminated. Which is wonderful because June will make it one year since I’ve been director at Public Health, and that is exactly what I have been concentrating on in the last 12 months,” said Arriola. 

Though there will be “a lot of changes” in the Public Health space, Arriola said that’s where the federal cuts could hit hard. 

“We are concerned because President Trump put out his ‘skinny bill’ for FY26. FY26 is not happening yet, but we are watching it very closely,” she added. 

Worst case scenario, she says come Oct. 1, Public Health could be looking at a $10 million loss. 

“So I’m having daily conversations with the governor, Lt governor, BBMR, DOA– we are watching this very, very closely. Again, it’s unlikely, but we need to be prepared,” she adds.