To allow for election of the Delegate from Guam by other than separate ballot, and for other purposes.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 105-209.
Official Summary
Amends Federal law to revise the requirements relating to the election of the Delegate from Guam to require the Delegate to be elected at large and by a majority of the votes cast for the office of Delegate. Amends the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 to extend, for five years, the USDA agricultural and food programs for the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Directs the President to ensure that assistance provided under these programs reflects changes in the population since the inception of such programs.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™This law amends federal requirements for electing the Delegate from Guam, changing the election method to a general at-large election requiring a majority vote. It also extends agricultural and food assistance programs under the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 for the Republic of the Marshall Islands by five years. Additionally, it directs the President to adjust assistance levels to reflect population changes since the programs began.
The law modifies Guam's Delegate election process and extends U.S. agricultural aid to the Marshall Islands with updated population considerations.
- Changes the election of Guam's Delegate to an at-large election requiring a majority vote.
- Extends USDA agricultural and food assistance programs for the Republic of the Marshall Islands by five years.
- Requires the President to ensure assistance reflects population changes since program inception.
['Residents and voters of Guam through revised Delegate election procedures.', 'The Republic of the Marshall Islands via continued and adjusted agricultural and food assistance.', 'U.S. Department of Agriculture as the administering agency for the extended programs.']
['Implementation challenges in adjusting election procedures to a majority at-large system.', 'Ensuring accurate population data is used to adjust assistance levels appropriately.', 'Potential administrative costs associated with extending and modifying assistance programs.']
The bill was enacted during the 105th Congress and signed into law on July 29, 1998. It addresses electoral representation for Guam and ongoing U.S. commitments under the Compact of Free Association with Pacific island nations, reflecting legislative priorities in government operations and territorial relations.
Hidden impact flags detected: 1
GovScope reviewed 1 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Potential changes in political campaigning and voter engagement in Guam due to the shift to a majority at-large election system.', 'Possible adjustments in resource allocation and program planning within USDA to accommodate population-based assistance changes.', 'Sustained U.S. influence and support in the Pacific region through continued aid under the Compact of Free Association.']
The bill's requirement for population-based adjustments in assistance programs highlights the importance of transparent demographic data collection and reporting. Oversight mechanisms should ensure that changes in population are accurately reflected in aid levels to maintain program effectiveness and accountability. Additionally, changes to Guam's Delegate election process may warrant monitoring to assess impacts on electoral fairness and administration.
GovScope Intelligence Roadmap
Future bill intelligence will connect sponsors, committee referrals, related votes, campaign finance, disclosures, and stock trades into one legislative intelligence view.