Legislative Activity

The Deliver for Veterans Act updates how the Department of Veterans Affairs supports eligible veterans by authorizing the VA to cover the full shipping costs for adaptive vehicles, in addition to the purchase price. This legislation also extends the expiration date for a specific limitation on certain veteran pension payments from late 2031 to March 2032.

This bill amends Title 49 of the U.S. Code to update eligibility requirements for Essential Air Service programs. Specifically, it expands the existing provisions currently applying to Alaska and Hawaii to now explicitly include Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. This ensures these territories receive the same consideration under relevant federal air service regulations.

The Correcting Guam's History in the PACT Act expands eligibility for veterans who served in Guam to receive a presumption of service connection for diseases linked to herbicide exposure. This change specifically covers service in Guam between August 15, 1958, and July 31, 1980. Coverage for veterans who served in American Samoa remains unchanged.

This resolution formally designates March as National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month to honor the history, resilience, and enduring contributions of the CHamoru people. It recognizes the indigenous inhabitants of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for their unique cultural values and their significant service to the United States. The bill encourages all Americans to observe this month by celebrating the rich heritage of the CHamoru community.

This resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the State Partnership Program between the Guam National Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It recognizes the program’s vital role in strengthening regional security, enhancing military readiness, and fostering humanitarian cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, it reaffirms the enduring defense alliance between the United States and the Philippines.

The Pacific Island Flight Alternatives Act of 2025 (PIFAA) addresses the issue of expensive flights to and from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands due to limited air competition. PIFAA allows foreign air carriers from Japan, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea to transport passengers and cargo between the U.S. and foreign locations through Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. This aims to increase air travel options and lower costs for these Pacific Island regions.

The Katrina and Leslie Schaller Act extends the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to Guam, ensuring residents of the territory have access to these essential benefits. The bill amends the Social Security Act to integrate Guam into the program’s framework while granting the Commissioner of Social Security the flexibility to adapt implementation to the territory's specific needs.

This bill amends the Defense Base Act to formally exclude Guam from its coverage requirements. By updating the Act’s definitions, the legislation ensures that the federal workers' compensation program for civilian employees on military bases no longer applies to work performed in the territory.