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Guam Legislature cuts prison appropriation to $1 million after heated DOC hearing; bill advances to third reading
Summary
Lawmakers reduced an appropriation intended for a new Department of Corrections facility from $5 million to $1 million after extended questioning about procurement, FEMA reimbursements and competing budget priorities. The amended bill was placed on third reading by unanimous consent.
Senators moved on an amendment that reduced an appropriation for the Department of Corrections (DOC) from $5,000,000 to $1,000,000, and the amended bill was placed on third reading after floor debate and questions of DOC leadership.
The amendment carried by unanimous consent after more than two hours of questioning about the status of architectural and engineering (A&E) procurement, the estimated A&E cost, availability of other funds and whether FEMA or ARP money could be used for urgent repairs.
The debate centered on two competing priorities: immediate repairs and safety upgrades at the existing prison, and funding the A&E and initial phases of a new facility. Speaker Terlahi, who led several rounds of questioning of DOC and procurement staff, said he was “very hesitant to not fund a new prison,” but pressed officials on why DOC had already solicited A&E bids without a…
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