The Committee on Rules advanced bill 187-38 COR to the session agenda on Nov. 17, approving placement after a brief exchange over the correct dollar amount to be appropriated for the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority.

Senator Duenas, reporting for the Committee on Finance and Government Operations, described bill 187 as "an act to appropriate the sum of $19,745,714 from the general fund realized from bond refunding savings not factored into the fiscal year 2026 budget for capital improvement projects and life saving supplies and materials at the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority." The committee moved the bill to the second-reading file and the motion passed after an objection was raised and members indicated support by voice/hand.

Senator Tidyeweed questioned the selection, saying she had "a bill that's very similar to this and just wondering why it was not reported out, when the bill was heard by both of, both bills were heard at the same time." She said the amount in her bill was "substantially different" and that the department of budget had given a different figure. Senator Duenas replied that committee markup followed the bill that "preceded the other bill" and that the marked-up version "reflects the available funds for appropriation."

The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the chair called for members to signify support by raising hands and declared the motion passed. The placement to second reading means the full Legislature will consider the appropriation at the session specified on the agenda.

What’s next: bill 187-38 COR will appear on the session agenda for second reading and further legislative action; proponents and opponents will have opportunity for floor debate and any recorded votes will be reflected in the session record.