Legislature is ‘business as usual’ despite concerns of closure
By Jerick Sablan Pacific Daily News | Jan 7, 2024
Several senators in a Friday letter to Sen. Chris Barnett voiced concerns that the Legislature could close if a resolution isn’t passed.
Barnett on Saturday said the Legislature is business as usual.
“The staff of the Legislature continues to work hard for the people of Guam,” he said.
Vice Speaker Tina Muña Barnes, Sens. Frank Blas, Jr., Dwayne San Nicolas, Roy Quinata and Joe San Agustin signed a letter to Barnett to address concerns.
“We write to you today in hopes that the potential failure of Resolution 285-37 will not result in an unnecessary, unwarranted and unjust closure of the island’s legislative branch of government,” the letter states.
The senators said they were made aware of concerns that the current Standing Rules for the 37th Guam Legislature would terminate all employees’ appointments Friday, but a careful reading of other provisions should allay those valid worries about the branch potentially shutting down.
The Standing Rules has a section that all appointments to positions in the 37th Guam Legislature will expire on Jan. 5, 2024. The year was a typo that can be fixed through a resolution.