Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio concluded a week of meetings in Washington, D.C., focused on advancing Guam’s infrastructure, affordability and shared security priorities amid continued military expansion in the region. Discussions with federal, congressional and private-sector leaders emphasized aligning military-driven investments with civilian needs while reinforcing Guam’s role as a critical Indo-Pacific hub.
Tenorio met with senior Defense Department officials, including Under Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and Assistant Secretary of War for Energy Installations and Environment Dale Marks, to address utilities, housing, transportation, broadband connectivity and cybersecurity. He raised concerns about workforce shortages, H-2B visa access, air travel costs and housing affordability, and stressed that civilian infrastructure must keep pace with military growth to avoid added strain on local families.
Environmental stewardship was also a key focus, with Tenorio urging extended review periods for proposed deep-sea mining near the Marianas Trench during meetings with the Department of the Interior and other agencies. He cited environmental and cultural concerns and advocated for additional time for scientific analysis and community engagement. Federal officials committed to an incremental approach toward convening an Economic Adjustment Committee, with a regional meeting planned for early 2026 that will include Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands leaders.
Additional meetings with the Maritime Administration and the State Department centered on port modernization, energy and supply chain resilience, broadband implementation and Guam’s expanding diplomatic and economic role in the Pacific. Tenorio said sustained federal partnership is essential to strengthening Guam’s infrastructure and quality of life while supporting national security objectives.
