Legislature backs resolution asking VA to establish regional office on Guam for Pacific veterans

The Legislature advanced Resolution 472-37 to third reading after senators voiced broad support for asking the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a regional office on Guam to serve veterans in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the freely associated states.

Senator Taidagwe, the resolution’s sponsor, said the measure seeks to reduce delays and administrative burdens that local veterans face when the nearest VA office is in Hawaii. “Our veterans are underserved,” Taidagwe said during floor remarks, and the resolution was brought to the floor after testimony at a public hearing such as comments from veterans and veterans advocates.

Supporters noted frequent problems veterans face when filing claims through the Hawaii office, citing lost documents, slow adjudication and travel burdens. Senator San Nicolas described personal experience helping veterans and urged greater local capacity for medical and claims services. Senator Perez and others highlighted steps recommended at the public hearing, including a veteran population assessment, gap analysis of access to VA health care, and engaging local providers.

Senators also said a local VA hub could serve the Northern Marianas and freely associated states, and could reduce travel costs and processing delays for claims tied to service-related illnesses. The sponsor moved the resolution to the third-reading (voting) file; clerks reported no objection and the resolution was placed on third reading.

The resolution now goes to the Legislature’s third-reading docket to await final consideration and any further amendments. Senators urged coordination with the Guam congressional delegation and the VA to pursue a regional office.