With the federal shutdown threatening to cut off vital food programs, island leaders moved fast to protect families. Lawmakers voted 13–0 to pass Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s special-session bill on Friday, ensuring SNAP and WIC benefits continue without interruption.  

Public Health officials estimate $13.1 million is needed to sustain benefits through November — $12.3 million for SNAP and $800,000 for WIC food assistance. Nearly one in four Guam residents relies on SNAP each month, and more than 9,000 islanders are enrolled in WIC — numbers expected to grow as the shutdown continues.