Guam’s military veterans voiced strong support today for Bill 192-38 (COR), legislation introduced by Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane to strengthen the authority of the Guam Veterans Commission. The measure, which received its public hearing Thursday morning at the Guam Congress Building, aims to transform the commission from an advisory body into a policymaking one with jurisdiction over the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs.
Senator Salas Matanane, chairperson of the Committee on Health and Veterans Affairs, said the bill was shaped by more than 200 hours of collaboration with the Veterans Working Group (VWG), composed of members from Guam’s largest veterans organizations. “The VWG did not like my initial piece of legislation, the Veterans Empowerment Act, and let me know about it,” Matanane said. “These experienced and concerned vets invited me to listen to their concerns and ideas, and in turn, I invited them to help me make a better bill. Bill 192 is the result of our collective efforts.”
During the hearing, panelists including former Senator Tom Ada and University of Guam Professor Ron McNinch — both veterans — expressed support for the bill while suggesting amendments to further strengthen it. “The Veterans Working Group wanted more teeth so they could be empowered to make decisions which will ultimately benefit all veterans on Guam. This is what my bill does,” Matanane explained, emphasizing that the legislation seeks to ensure veterans’ voices have greater influence in government decisions affecting them.
The senator thanked all who participated in the hearing and credited the Veterans Working Group for their role in crafting the measure. Members of the VWG include representatives from organizations such as the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the U.S. Navy League. “It’s only through public discourse that we can improve policy to work for the benefit of the greater good,” Matanane said.