Senator Taitigui introduced Bill 188‑38 COR on Oct. 6 as an alternative, narrower appropriation measure that would apply the FY2026 debt‑service savings realized by GEDA’s refunding (the amount GEDA and BBMR reported as available for FY2026) directly to Guam Memorial Hospital Authority.

"This bill seeks to appropriate $19,745,714 from the debt service savings generated from the Guam business privilege refunding… to the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority for critical capital improvement projects," Senator Taitigui said. She described her bill as a conservative approach that does not try to appropriate savings beyond the current fiscal year.

Dr. Jolene Ogan, interim GMHA CEO, testified in support, saying the authority needs funds for life‑safety systems, EHR work and emergency readiness and thanked senators for pursuing savings that can be used "to stabilize the foundation upon which every act of care depends on." Tina Garcia, GEDA administrator, confirmed the August bond closing and the FY2026 debt‑service figure that underpins the bill.

Senator Taitigui told the committee she is also working on an amendment to provide limited emergency procurement authority for GMHA to speed long‑lead purchases and construction work if the appropriation is enacted. Several senators and GMHA witnesses asked the legislature's oversight committees to schedule a joint review of procurement bottlenecks and accounts‑payable reductions.

No vote occurred; the committee said it will mark up both bills (the $32M proposal and the $19.75M bill) and coordinate with GMHA, GEDA and the public auditor to resolve outstanding vendor, procurement and scheduling questions before any appropriation is approved.