As the federal government shutdown drags on, KUAM News heard from one local leader on how her constituents are being impacted, and what help is available — as the island’s delegate directs those affected to assistance.

The U.S. Senate has now failed for the 14th time to end the government shutdown — setting up the longest shutdown in United States history, surpassing the 35-day record set during President Donald Trump’s first term in the White House.  And the impacts are already being felt here at home.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero recently setting aside $13.1 million to keep SNAP and WIC benefits going through the end of the month — but she admits to KUAM it’s not a sustainable fix.

In Tamuning, Mayor Louise Rivera says her constituents are worried, sharing, “Those that are in need of food, while they’re waiting for their SNAP to come in–those are the basic requests.”  She says she’s even reaching into her own pantry to help families get by, and doing what she can to fill in the gaps—that includes constantly tapping on the island’s representative in Washington, DC for guidance. 

“I’m just always reaching out to our congressman’s office for things that deal with federal issues on what is transpiring," she stated.

Congressman James Moylan’s office, meanwhile, released a federal Employee Government Shutdown Guide on Wednesday morning — as many on island continue to face furloughs, though the exact number is still unknown. The guide includes resources on financial and employment assistance, banks and credit unions, food and basic needs, utilities, housing, rent, childcare, and more.

And while pay was issued to military members on October 31 — concerns are growing that active troops could start going without pay by November 15 if the shutdown drags on. 

In the meantime, KUAM News reached out to the Guam National Guard, and an official confirms active Guard Reserve members have been paid — but technicians have not.