Senate Moves to Renew 20‑Year Lease for Vietnam Veterans Chapter Coban

Senators took up bill 173‑38 COR to authorize renewal of a 20‑year lease for Lot 2288‑111 (the Manila Coban) to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 668. The author said the site has been maintained and improved by the veterans, including a Vietnam Veterans Memorial, landscaping and community use, and that renewing the lease would preserve the facility as a meeting and remembrance site.

Supporters noted the 2005 public law (Public Law 28‑04) that originally authorized the lease and emphasized that the chapter has invested its own funds to maintain the property. The Guam Office of Veterans Affairs and village mayors provided written or oral support, and witnesses told the committee the site serves as a hub for veteran services and community events.

Senators expressed urgency because the existing lease expires this year; the chamber permitted the bill to skip ahead on the agenda and, after multiple floor statements endorsing the measure and the addition of cosponsors, placed bill 173‑38 COR into the third‑reading file without objection. Supporters said the arrangement preserves a community asset and avoids disruptions to services and memorial activities.

The bill was moved to third reading; any final approvals or conditions will be recorded at that stage. The transcript records no appropriation of government funds for the property; supporters said improvements were funded by the veterans and community donors.