Legislation
Reaffirming the ties between the United States and the Philippines
In the 118th Congress he sponsored a resolution that reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty if its assets are attacked in the South China Sea, called for joint patrols with the Philippines, rejected China’s territorial claims there, and welcomed implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. [10]
Deliver for Veterans Act
In the 118th Congress and 119th Congress he sponsored a bill that amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code to authorize the VA to pay not only the full purchase price for adaptive vehicles provided to disabled veterans or service members, but also the shipping/delivery costs. [11]
Guam Service Academy Equality Act
In the 118th Congress he sponsored a bill that adjusted the number of cadets to be nominated to the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, and United States Airforce Academy from the Delegate in Congress from Guam. [14]
Political positions
Elevating Guam
Congressman James Moylan has consistently advocated for Guam, focusing on issues such as land rights, criminal justice reform, and equitable federal support. Specifically, Moylan has been vocal about the need for the federal government to provide adequate support to Guam, particularly concerning the Compact Impact Fairness Act. He has argued that while the Act offers certain benefits to FAS migrants, it does not address the costs incurred by Guam in providing public services to these populations. Through initiatives like the Guam Host Community Compensation Act, Moylan seeks to secure federal reimbursements for the expenses associated with hosting FAS migrants, ensuring that Guam is not financially disadvantaged.
Veterans affairs
Congressman James Moylan has prioritized veterans’ issues, focusing on improving access to benefits and services for Guam’s veteran community. He introduced the “Deliver for Veterans Act” to help disabled veterans receive adaptive vehicles without high shipping costs and pushed for a correction to the PACT Act to recognize herbicide exposure in Guam as early as 1958. Moylan also led efforts to relocate the VA Regional Office from Manila to Guam, with his amendment for a permanent office passing the House in 2025. Additionally, he advocated for better veteran access at Naval Base Guam and co-led bipartisan bills to expand VA benefits, including transportation, life insurance, and burial services.
National Security
Moylan advocates for bolstering Guam's defense infrastructure to address emerging threats, notably from China. He has highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive 360-degree missile defense system to protect the island, which serves as a critical U.S. military hub in the Pacific. This includes supporting the deployment of advanced defense systems like the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and Iron Dome technology to enhance Guam's defensive capabilities.
Additionally, Moylan serves on two key congressional committees, including the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. These positions enable him to influence defense policy, foreign relations, and security resource management, aligning with his focus on enhancing national security.
Radiation Compensation
Moylan has been a persistent and vocal advocate for including Guam in federal radiation compensation efforts, particularly through amendments to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). He introduced a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in June 2024 that sought to extend and expand RECA to include Guam residents exposed to nuclear fallout from U.S. testing in the Pacific, especially those affected by the Bikini Atoll detonations. Moylan argued that failing to include Guam’s "downwinders" perpetuates long-standing injustices and neglect by the federal government.
Despite repeated setbacks Moylan has explored alternate legislative paths. This includes reintroducing RECA amendments in the NDAA, farm bills, veterans' packages, and other federal appropriations. Moylan consistently frames radiation compensation as a matter of justice for the people of Guam, who have suffered disproportionately without recognition or recompense. He continues to press forward in Congress to secure long-overdue federal acknowledgment and support for Guam’s radiation survivors.
Maritime Issues
Moylan advocates for targeted reform of the Jones Act, arguing that while the Act serves important national security and maritime industry purposes, it imposes disproportionate burdens on noncontiguous U.S. areas such as Guam, Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. He has highlighted Guam’s unrealized economic potential, citing how restrictive shipping rules under the Jones Act limit access to affordable goods and energy, despite Guam being positioned as the “Gateway to Asia.”
Rather than calling for a full repeal, he calls for pragmatic reforms that maintain protections for domestic shipping routes while introducing exemptions for noncontiguous regions. He argues that the Jones Act, written in 1920, is outdated and does not reflect the modern needs of U.S. territories. He has stressed the importance of reforming the Act to support economic development, improve energy access, and reduce costs for Americans living in noncontiguous regions—while still upholding national security where necessary.
International Relations with the Philippines
As Co-Chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, Moylan aims to encourage continued advocacy for Philippine-related issues. He has sponsored H.Res.156, Honoring the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Guam and the Republic of the Philippines under the State Partnership Program and H.Res.505, Recognizing June 12, 2025, as this year's observance of "Philippines Independence Day" to honor the 127th anniversary of the independence of the Philippines in the 119th Congress. In the 118th Congress Moylan sponsored and passed H.Res.837, Reaffirming the ties between the United States and the Philippines.
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