Committee advances multiple Chapter 11 funding amendments; key measures pass, some blocked as out of order

The Senate Committee on General Government Operations and Appropriations considered a slate of Chapter 11 supplemental and continuing-appropriation amendments on July 30, 2025, advancing several small grants and continuing-appropriation measures while blocking others as out of order or unsuccessful on voice/hand votes.

Committee members spent the evening voting through a long list of targeted appropriations and transfers drawn from FY2025 unobligated excess revenues reported in the July 2025 Consolidated Review and Expenditure Report (CRER). Lawmakers repeatedly cited the committee's internal rule limiting changes to funding sources for amendments and the body's effort to hold approximately 50% of projected excess revenue in reserve as reasons for objecting to some proposals.

The committee approved a number of continuing-appropriation items that let agencies and programs use unexpended balances from FY2025 and prior fiscal years. Passed items included continuing-authority language or specific small appropriations for Guam Department of Education-related programs (PTO grants request), Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (targeted lapses/continuing use), Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Guam EPA, DISID (Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities), Guam Ethics Commission, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center lapse authority, Harvest House (through DPHSS pass-through), the mayor's council (after an amendment setting the amount), the Fisherman's Co-op, and several other targeted grants. Several of those measures passed by unanimous voice or…