Guam’s legislative vice speaker is leading a mission to Washington, D.C. to get the island’s needs across to federal officials through the fog and confusion of Trump policies that have created dynamic budget and programmatic uncertainties locally. Tony Ada, together with Senators Vince Borja and Shelly Calvo and Guam’s delegate to the U.S. House, James Moylan, are in the nation’s capital “holding high-level meetings with U.S. agency and Congressional officials to advocate for federal support on critical issues affecting the island’s future.”
The delegation will be in Washington through the week. Today, their first day of their mission, they met with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Assistant Secretary of Special Education Diana Diaz and her staff, and White House senior staffer Michael Silvio.
According to a news release from Mr. Ada’s office:
“Our goal is to recover what has been lost, protect what we have, and make the case for what Guam truly needs to move forward,” said Vice Speaker Ada.
Vice Speaker Ada noted that US House Speaker Mike Johnson and Associate Director Michael Silvio from the White House Intergovernmental Affairs Office affirmed their support for Guam and a shared commitment to strengthening the federal-territorial relationship.
“It hits differently when you look them in the eye and tell Guam’s story in person,” added Ada. “Some officials told us this was the first time a Guam Senatorial Delegation has ever met with their office directly.”
Senator Vince Borja described the meetings as highly effective:
“Today’s discussions were productive. We were able to get real-time answers, clarify complex issues, and ensure Guam’s voice is truly heard at the federal level.”
Senator Shelly Calvo emphasized the importance of investing in systems that work for Guam’s unique needs:
“We must continue to press for funding mechanisms that reflect Guam’s realities. That includes improving access to special education, teacher development programs, and infrastructure funding that our schools desperately need.”
Congressman Jim Moylan was instrumental in arranging the meetings between the delegation and federal officials, he states: “I am honored to host the Senatorial Delegation in our nation’s capital. I have always supported a One Guam approach. It is through collective efforts like this that Guam’s voice becomes stronger.”
The Guam Delegation’s meetings will continue through Friday, June 13. Scheduled sessions include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Members of Congress, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute on Aging. Additional updates will be provided to the public.
Mr. Ada will interview with Kandit via Zoom at 9 a.m. Thursday, Guam time. We will provide that interview in its entirety Thursday.
