Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has received notice from Assistant Secretary of Insular and International Affairs Douglas Domenech that Guam will be receiving $69,928,361 in Section 30 funds from the Department of the Interior.
“We are pleased at the announcement of Section 30 funds from the Department of the Interior to the Government of Guam but have now also learned that another $18.3 million will be deposited into the Guam World War II Claims fund—money that our manamko’ are unable to access. The notice underscores the importance for the Senate to act on H.R. 1365. If there is no action then the funds transferred to Treasury will continue to sit dormant in the Guam World War II Claims account. To date, we estimate that well over $20 million is in the account. Our Administration pursued a local program to advance payments to War Survivors with adjudicated claims, recognizing that time is running out for our survivors of occupation. And in the absence of any progress by the Senate on H.R. 1365, I will continue to encourage our Guam Legislature to pass Bill 181-35 which enjoys bipartisan support,” Governor Leon Guerrero stated. “As our delegate to Congress and sponsor of H.R. 1365, I have faith that the Congressman will remain focused on this very important legislation. While we are concerned that he may be distracted with other matters, I trust that Congressman San Nicolas is working closely with the Senate Judiciary Committee to pass this legislation when the Senate reconvenes next week. I have written multiple letters to Congress and will continue to appeal for the swift passage of H.R. 1365 when I visit our nation’s capital next month.”