Lt. Governor Tenorio Highlights Guam Priorities at Federal-Territorial Meeting in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio presented Guam's federal priorities today at the 2025 Senior Plenary Session of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas. He spoke on behalf of Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, emphasizing the island's role in national security and the importance of federal partnership in addressing critical needs. He said, "The simple truth is that Guam's role in global security must be safeguarded and supported - and that support must extend to our people and improve their quality of life."

Tenorio opened by thanking federal leaders for progress achieved during the President's first term. He pointed to Guam War Claims, Earned Income Tax Credit, and increased Medicaid funding as examples of addressed disparities that improved lives for residents.

Hospital and Security Needs
The lieutenant governor made a strong case for $400 million in federal support to construct a new public hospital. He said the facility would improve civilian care and serve national defense by preparing for mass casualty events, natural disasters, and security threats. Tenorio noted that Guam faces constant pressure from Chinese cyberattacks and North Korean missile threats while serving as a hub for U.S. and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific.

He stressed, "For perspective: the U.S. is investing more than $12 billion in military construction on Guam. Our hospital request is just 3.3% of that total - a modest fraction that will save lives, protect readiness, and counter China's soft-power influence."

Regional Impact and Infrastructure
The hospital would also serve the Northern Mariana Islands and the Freely Associated States, reinforcing regional stability. Tenorio added that Guam must have expanded air service, reliable communications, and commercial transport to sustain growth and meet security needs. He said, "By contrast, a U.S.-built hospital on Guam would demonstrate that America invests in its people, its readiness, and the resilience of its allies."

He raised concern about federal budget cuts affecting the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, coastal management, and historic preservation programs. He called for support to protect Guam's $156 million Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program allocation. He said broadband is vital for defense and disaster response and urged flexibility to use funds for cybersecurity and middle-mile infrastructure.

Compact Impact and Health Programs
Tenorio called for reinstatement of the $30 million Compact Impact appropriation, explaining that Medicaid improvements for COFA citizens do not cover heavy costs for education and public safety. He urged separate funding for orientation grants, which are currently drawn from Guam's limited Technical Assistance Program.

He also criticized the exclusion of Guam and the territories from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. He said access to modern health records systems is essential and called for immediate action to correct the oversight.

Radiation Compensation and Federal Coordination
Tenorio pressed for Guam's inclusion in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and asked Administration officials and Congressional Leaders present to include RECA inclusion for Guam in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) or any other appropriate legislative vehicle that "would get the job done." He noted that U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1962 exposed Guam residents to fallout, with lasting health effects.

He also relayed Governor Leon Guerrero's request for the Secretary of Defense to reconvene an Economic Adjustment Committee. The committee, last convened in 2010, would coordinate across federal agencies to address the impacts of military expansion on Guam.

Closing Appeal
Tenorio concluded by affirming Guam's role in U.S. defense and its reliance on strong federal partnership. "Guam is often called the tip of the spear," he said. "A spear is only as strong as the commitment that stands behind it."

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