Guam Delegate James Moylan has joined a bipartisan effort to reform the military discharge review process, introducing legislation aimed at reducing delays and improving access to benefits for veterans.
Moylan, alongside Rep. James Walkinshaw of Virginia, introduced the Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act, which targets long-standing backlogs that can delay discharge upgrade decisions for years.
The bill focuses on veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury — conditions that can affect discharge status and eligibility for benefits such as health care, housing and education.
Under the proposal, staffing levels at military discharge review boards would be maintained through 2030, and the Department of Defense would be required to report to Congress on processing timelines and recommend improvements. A public summary of findings would also be released to increase transparency.
Moylan said the measure is especially important for veterans in Guam and the Pacific, who may face additional barriers accessing federal services.
“Our veterans should never have to fight another battle just to receive the benefits they earned,” Moylan said. “When delays stretch into years, the system is failing them.”
Walkinshaw echoed the concern, saying veterans dealing with trauma “deserve a system that works as efficiently as possible” and called for adequate staffing and accountability.
Lawmakers said the bill reflects broader bipartisan efforts to address systemic issues in the discharge review process and ensure fair treatment for veterans seeking relief.