Senator Shawn Gumataotao is calling for stronger leadership in Guam’s homeland security. He’s introduced Bill 184-38, which would require the Office of Homeland Security to classify its grants manager and the Marianas Regional Fusion Center director. 

The move follows an audit by the Office of Public Accountability that flagged repeated compliance failures, frozen reimbursements, and risks to future federal funding. Auditors pointed to a lack of consistent leadership and qualified fiscal management at homeland security.

Under the bill, the agency would also have to provide the Guam Legislature and OPA with copies of financial and performance reports whenever they are submitted to federal awarding agencies. Senator Gumataotao says these steps are critical to protect federal funding and Guam’s ability to prepare for emerging threats.

A public hearing on the measure — along with a companion bill reorganizing emergency management under the Guam Fire Department — is set for October 14th.