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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 7673

Guam: Returning Land to Original Owners

To amend the Organic Act of Guam to provide an exception to the "public purpose" requirement for certain land transfers in the case of a transfer restoring such land to the original landowner or heirs, and for other purposes.

17 days ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • This bill changes the rules for how land is returned to Guam from the federal government. Currently, when the federal government gives back land it no longer needs, the law says it must be used for public projects like parks or schools. This bill would create an exception so the land can be given back to the families who originally owned it.
  • The policy specifically helps the heirs and descendants of people whose land was taken by the government in the past. It removes a legal hurdle that previously forced the land to stay in government hands even after the federal government stopped using it for military or other purposes.
  • To protect national security, the bill includes a special rule for these land transfers. If a family member who receives the land tries to sell it to a foreign person or company, the U.S. government must review the sale to make sure it does not pose a risk to the country.
  • The Government of Guam would have 180 days to set up a clear process for how these land transfers will work and must report that plan to Congress. This is meant to ensure the program is organized and fair for the families waiting to get their property back.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 25, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Feb 25, 2026

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

To amend the Organic Act of Guam to provide an exception to the "public purpose" requirement for certain land transfers in the case of a transfer restoring such land to the original landowner or heirs, and for other purposes.

Bill NumberHR 7673
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

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