In a pivotal moment during the 38th Guam Legislature's Third Special Session on September 10, 2025, lawmakers confronted the alarming revelation that $10 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds is no longer available for local use. This shocking announcement came after a meeting with the governor on August 22, where officials were informed that the funds had vanished unexpectedly.
The discussion quickly shifted to the rebasing process, a critical step for securing future funding. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding rebasing requests. A key point raised was that no data or information had been requested in the last five months, despite the urgency of the situation. This gap in communication has left officials questioning the priorities of the administration, especially after a recent opportunity to advocate for rebasing in front of federal representatives was missed.
The implications of this funding loss and the stalled rebasing process are significant for Guam's financial future. Lawmakers emphasized the need for proactive measures to ensure that such opportunities are not overlooked again. As the session progressed, the urgency for a strategic approach to funding and resource allocation became clear, highlighting the critical need for better coordination between local and federal efforts. The outcome of these discussions could shape the territory's financial landscape in the months to come.