Senator Shawn Gumataotao is calling for greater oversight and modernization within Guam’s emergency management and homeland security agencies, following a public hearing on two measures aimed at strengthening accountability and improving response capabilities.
Bill 184 would require the Office of Homeland Security’s Grants Manager and the Marianas Regional Fusion Center positions to be placed in the classified service, ensuring continuity and oversight regardless of political changes. Gumataotao said the measure directly responds to findings from the 2024 audit by the Office of Public Accountability and recommendations from homeland security experts. “Bill 184 safeguards federal and local taxpayer investments that are made in support of a more secure Guam, Micronesia, and United States of America,” he said.
The senator’s second measure, Bill 179, would establish a Bureau of Emergency Management within the Guam Fire Department. Gumataotao described the proposal as a “modernization of a critical government mandate,” emphasizing that GFD already plays a central role in disaster planning, recovery, and coordination with local and federal partners. “In 2025, this has never been a more important combination of skill sets needed to serve our island community in a new role and in a new time in emergency management,” he said.
Gumataotao noted that past audit findings and a May 2025 “mission check” at the Emergency Operations Center revealed gaps in readiness and accountability. While acknowledging progress since then, he said confidence in Guam’s emergency management operations “has been shaken to its very core.” The senator thanked emergency management leaders and community stakeholders for their input and said he looks forward to working with Finance Committee Chair Chris Duenas and legislative colleagues to strengthen both measures before a floor vote.