Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio met Sunday with two key members of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee to press for Guam’s inclusion in national defense and economic development plans. The meeting with Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker and Sen. Deb Fischer centered on the island’s role in the Indo-Pacific and the opportunities tied to the military buildup.
Leon Guerrero emphasized that Guam’s people must see benefits from the same federal investments that bolster U.S. security. She highlighted the proposed new medical campus in Mangilao as a priority, calling it vital both for the community’s health and the success of the military mission. “What we are building in Mangilao is a lifeline for our people and for the military mission that depends on a healthy community,” she said.
Tenorio underscored the importance of workforce preparation, infrastructure expansion, and local business participation in contracts related to the buildup. He called for the creation of an Economic Adjustment Committee to coordinate federal resources for Guam’s infrastructure needs and stressed more investment in the Guam National Guard. He also pointed to the need for greater attention to Guam’s aviation sector and regional competitiveness.
The administration said it will continue engaging with federal partners to ensure that Guam’s healthcare, infrastructure, and economy grow in step with defense initiatives. Officials said the meeting reinforced Guam’s strategic value to the nation while also underscoring the importance of safeguarding local prosperity.