It's moving day! The new year brings a new set of faces at the Guam Congress Building.  There’s now less than a handful of days left until the 38th Guam Legislature swears-in. Some senators are already starting the transition and moving out of their offices while others are kept busy.    

It’s a busy scene downtown as 2024 comes to a close. Movers have been seen moving out belongings, beginning the transition from the 37th Guam Legislature to the 38th. Democratic senators have until the end of this week to move out of their offices to make room for the incoming republican majority. 

Senator Sabina Perez among those cleaning up her office on the second floor amid the last session of the term. "It’s coming along smoothly. We just ended session (Monday). We are definitely going to move out this week and looking forward to the upcoming legislature to work together with the incoming senators as well as incumbents," the veteran policymaker told KUAM News.

However, Perez says it wasn’t easy securing a new location, adding, "It’s very competitive out there compared to when I first started when there were a lot more offerings. So when we talk about lack of affordable housing, we’re also talking about commercial space. There’s also less commercial spaces available."

Incoming speaker Frank Blas, Jr. says he’s still waiting for Speaker Therese Terlaje to clear her office before he can move in. "As of yesterday, I was informed that I’m probably not going to be able to move in as early as Friday and as late as the weekend and see where we can go from there," he said.

"Hopefully we can move in this week no matter what. Come Monday, if it means I’ll just have just a desk and a chair, then that’s where I’ll work out of until we can get everyone settled in."

In the meantime, before the building welcomes a new legislature, outgoing senators bid their farewell. Senator Roy Quinata shared, "Simon Sanchez is not built, but it’s still on my mission list to continue. Although I’m not going to be in office anymore, I will still be pursuing the reconstruction and rebuild of Simon Sanchez."

And Senator Dwayne San Nicolas added, "I don’t know what tomorrow may bring, but I want to leave the people of Guam with the utmost love and respect, god’s blessing to all my friends, relatives, supporters and everyone in here. I wish all the incoming legislature all the best of luck."

Senator Amanda Shelton said, "It’s been an honor to work with you all as a member of this body. I look forward to being a positive change on our island for years to come", with Senator Joanne Brown saying, "I have to say after serving eight terms in the Guam Legislature, which first started in 1995, I can say after all these years it’s indeed been the greatest honor of my life in having served our people."

The inauguration ceremony for the 38th Guam Legislature is set for Monday, January 6.