The commanders of Joint Region Marianas and Joint Task Force Micronesia declined invitations to appear before the Guam Legislature's military buildup briefing Monday, drawing sharp criticism from the committee chair.
Sen. Telo Taitague said Rear Admiral Brett Meitus and Rear Admiral Joshua Lasky both declined without explanation. "It is very disheartening that they are not staying true to the commitment of the one Guam approach," Taitague said. "This is very disappointing."
The briefing proceeded with testimony from Community Defense Liaison Office Executive Director Vera Topasna, the governor's military affairs adviser Carla Leon Guerrero, a Homeland Security representative and Col. Charles Douglas, representing Guam National Guard Adjutant General Brigadier General Karen Watson.
Topasna said the total visible military construction program stands at approximately $10.5 billion, spanning active execution, $2.5 billion in FY2026 planned awards and $1.9 billion proposed to Congress for FY2027, which includes missile defense, housing and cybersecurity funding.
The military's phase one housing RFP covers 917 family units and 400 unaccompanied service member units. Phase two is under review with no timeline provided.
A federal Economic Adjustment Committee roundtable canceled due to Typhoon Sinlaku is expected to be rescheduled for June, focusing on hospital capacity, the port, power, water and roads. Three new CDLO grants covering village infrastructure, medical capacity and infrastructure risk assessment are being finalized.