Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration Commends Legislature for Unanimous Passage of Emergency Bill Safeguarding SNAP and WIC Benefits During Federal Shutdown

Hagåtña, Guam - The Office of the Governor issues the following statement on the unanimous passage of Governor Lou Leon Guerrero's special-session bill ensuring that food assistance under both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program continues without interruption despite the ongoing federal government shutdown:

"We want to sincerely thank our senators for acting swiftly and unanimously to protect Guam's families. When federal uncertainty threatened to cut off critical food assistance to thousands of households, the Legislature came together to make sure that no one in our community is left hungry or without help.

The legislation authorizes the temporary use of local funds to cover the lapse in federal disbursements, ensuring that more than 18,000 Guam households relying on SNAP and over 3,000 mothers and children supported by WIC will continue to receive their benefits through November.

We also commend the men and women of the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) for their tireless work in preparing and executing the continuity plan. Our public health teams acted quickly and compassionately. They have worked around the clock to make sure benefits are not interrupted - proving once again that government can respond effectively when we put people first.

The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration will continue coordinating with federal partners to restore funding once the shutdown ends, emphasizing that the local response is about more than finances.

This is a reflection of who we are as a people. When our island faces hardship, we come together - government, Legislature, and community - to care for one another and protect those most in need."

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