Alicia Limtiaco and Del. James Moylan outlined their priorities for Guam during a Guam Chamber of Commerce congressional debate ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Both candidates said Guam needs relief from high living costs, better access to federal funding and benefits, stronger infrastructure, and more economic opportunities. Both candidates also supported addressing the Jones Act’s impact on Guam’s shipping costs, expanding air service and competition, improving access to federal benefits, and returning unused federal land for local use. However, they offered different approaches to addressing those concerns.
Limtiaco, a former Guam attorney general and U.S. attorney, said her campaign would focus on fairness for Guam in federal programs, accountability for government spending, and creating more opportunities for local businesses and workers.
Limtiaco said she would push for more affordable housing by helping restore vacant or deteriorating homes through existing federal housing programs. To improve accountability, Limtiaco proposed tracking federal funding and project progress through public updates, as well as using congressional hearings and oversight to address delays or misuse of funds.
“I will establish a Guam Business and Economic Advisory Council to bring your experience into our congressional office, and I will report back on what has moved, what funding has been approved, and where work remains,” Limtiaco said.
Moylan emphasized his record in Congress and the federal funding and legislation he said he has helped secure for Guam. He said he would continue working to reduce barriers for local businesses, expand workforce opportunities, and pursue changes to shipping and air travel policies.
“These are real investments in the safety and well-being of our people, and I welcome the scrutiny,” Moylan said. “My commitment to serving you began long before this election. I served through the pandemic, through the devastation of Typhoon Mawar, and challenges that followed. Public service is a responsibility.”
On shipping, Moylan said he has introduced measures seeking exemptions from the Jones Act for Guam, including for fuel and emergencies. He said he would continue pushing a permanent exemption, while Limtiaco called for a broader review of how the law affects Guam and what changes would best address the island’s needs.
“I have already introduced with Congressman Ed Case from Hawaii over 11 measures that address the Jones Act exception specifically for Guam regarding fuel, regarding emergency situations,” Moylan said. “President Trump has extended the temporary Jones Act exception going on the seventh time. This is the opportunity where we can come together, people of quant, to present our argument even greater before Congress, before Senate, and get that permanent exception we need.”
Both candidates also support improving air connections to Guam and expanding tourism. Moylan highlighted his proposed Pacific Island Flight Alternatives Act, which he said would allow airlines from countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines to bring visitors to the Marianas and connect them to the U.S. mainland. He also supports a visa-waiver program for visitors from the Philippines.
Limtiaco said she would work with federal agencies, airlines, and industry representatives to find ways to improve air services and address policies that limit competition. She also identified the Philippines as a priority market for a visa-waiver program, citing potential benefits for tourism and the workforce.
The candidates agreed that Guam should receive better access to federal benefits, including Supplemental Security Income and improved Medicaid funding.
Moylan said he would continue pushing legislation to extend SSI to Guam and address limits on federal Medicaid funding. Limtiaco also supports SSI eligibility for Guam residents and removing Guam’s Medicaid funding cap. She said that, if the cap cannot be removed, she would seek adjustments that better reflect the cost of medical care and the number of people needing services.
On the military buildup, Limtiaco said Guam’s civilian community should benefit from federal investments and have a clearer picture of how funding is being spent and when projects will be completed. She identified the power grid, water system, roads, housing, education, and public services as areas needing attention.
Moylan pointed to federal military construction funding and community projects he said he has helped secure, including funding for roads, emergency facilities, and public safety vehicles. He argued that investments supporting infrastructure and pubic services outside military installations also benefit Guam residents.
In their discussion on jobs and workforce needs, Limtiaco identified ship repair as an area that could help diversify Guam’s economy, create jobs, and provide opportunities beyond the military buildup.
Moylan highlighted efforts to extend the H-2B temporary worker program through 2035 and support workforce training. He also pointed to legislation intended to reduce college tuition costs for students in U.S. territories, which he said had passed the House and was awaiting Senate action.
Both candidates said unused federal land should be returned for local use.
In her closing statement, Limtiaco said she would focus on fair treatment in federal programs, stronger infrastructure, and creating more opportunities for Guam’s residents and businesses.
Moylan closed by emphasizing experience, reliability, and following through on commitments. He said he has secured federal investments for Guam but acknowledged that more work remains.
The general election is scheduled for Tuesday.
