Guam leaders are bracing for the impact of a federal government shutdown that began at midnight Eastern Time on Oct. 1, following the expiration of federal funding. Congressman James Moylan and Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero issued statements urging calm and assuring residents that essential services will continue as Congress works toward a budget resolution.
Moylan said he emphasized Guam’s unique vulnerabilities during a call with House leadership before the shutdown. “I stressed that a government shutdown would be devastating for Guam,” he said. The congressman added that Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ medical care, disaster response, postal services and military operations will continue without interruption, while warning of delays in areas such as student aid, passport processing, small business loans and housing loan approvals. His office will remain open to assist with federal casework.
Leon Guerrero echoed those reassurances, saying the government of Guam had contingency plans in place to maintain critical functions. “We have been here before. And like every storm, natural or man-made, we will weather it together,” she said. The governor noted the scope of the impact will depend on the shutdown’s duration and whether certain programs can rely on prior-year funding. She urged federal leaders to find a bipartisan solution quickly to restore stability for families and workers.
While military, TSA, FEMA and some Veterans Affairs staff will continue working, federal employees on Guam may face furloughs or be required to work without pay, though health benefits and retroactive pay remain guaranteed. Federal contractors may also face stop-work orders and delayed payments. Both leaders urged residents to stay informed through official channels. “We’ll get through this together, Guam,” Moylan said.
