Guam leaders expressed relief Monday as the U.S. Senate advanced legislation to reopen the federal government, signaling an end to weeks of disruption that left federal workers unpaid and vital safety-net programs stalled.
Acting Governor Josh Tenorio said the measure offers hope for island families preparing for the holidays. “Across the nation and here at home, families have faced weeks of anxiety as the federal government shut down and critical programs were put on hold,” Tenorio said. “If this measure passes as expected, many of our people will finally see a return to normalcy—federal workers will receive their pay, safety-net benefits will resume, and families will regain the stability they deserve.”
Tenorio praised the swift action of the Leon Guerrero–Tenorio Administration and local partners for ensuring continued access to food and nutrition assistance during the shutdown. “When the federal government was unable to act, we did what Guam has always done: take care of our neighbors in need,” he said. “Our local safety net will be reinforced, not replaced.”
Meanwhile, Guam Delegate James Moylan called the Senate’s vote “a critical step toward reopening our government and restoring stability for millions of families, including here in Guam.” He said the continuing resolution “means hope for federal workers who’ve gone weeks without pay and for vulnerable families who rely on SNAP and WIC to feed their children.” Both leaders cautioned that the funding deal only extends through January 30, 2026, and urged vigilance as Congress works toward a long-term solution.