House panel flags special education service gaps in Guam

By Jayvee Vallejera

The U.S. House of Representatives' appropriations committee directs the U.S. Department of Education to examine the gaps in special education services in Guam, which may not be fully meeting the needs of students with special needs.

In its 452-page report, the appropriations committee mandates the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to brief Congress on its findings within 180 days after the appropriations bill becomes law.

According to the office of Guam Del. James Moylan, the committee has approved the 2027 budget bill for labor, health and human services, education and related agencies and is headed to the floor.

"Every child deserves access to the educational support and opportunities they need to succeed," said Moylan.

"For many families in Guam, accessing the services their children need can be a challenge. This language helps ensure Congress receives a clearer understanding of the issues facing our students, educators, and families so we can continue advocating for meaningful solutions and additional support," he added.

Moylan said Guam faces unique challenges that many U.S. mainland states simply do not encounter.

"Whether it is ensuring students with disabilities receive the support they deserve or addressing the demands placed on our educational system, it is important that federal policymakers understand these realities,” he said. 

The committee recommends a $15.54 billion budget for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in fiscal year 2027. The office had initially asked for a little over $16 billion.

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The appropriations committee’s recommended budget for the office is $46 million higher than its allocation in fiscal year 2026 but is $492.5 million lower than its $16 billion request.

The $70.6 billion proposed appropriation for the U.S. Department of Education allocates $50 million to fund programs for children with disabilities, an increase of $1 million from the fiscal year 2027 budget request and the fiscal year 2026 enacted level.

The funds are earmarked for school districts for associated programs.

Beyond the gaps in education, many Guam parents of children with special needs also have deep concerns about the critical lack of services for special needs individuals once they graduate or age out of the educational system.

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A recent oversight hearing on Guam’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation had drawn highly critical testimonies of parents who refuse to work with DVR, alleging it has failed to provide meaningful employment for their children. The Guam legislative committee has not issued a report yet.

The House Appropriations Committee report said it is aware of rising interest in ways to expand employment choices for individuals with disabilities and address potential barriers to employment.

On the section of the committee report related to the U.S. Department of Labor’s budget for next fiscal year, the committee said it understands the interest in ensuring adults with disabilities have the freedom to choose their preferred employment setting and notes ongoing legislative efforts related to these goals.

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