‘Billions are being made on Guam. That alone is not success.’
Q&A with congressional candidate Alicia Limtiaco
By Ron Rocky Coloma
Alicia Garrido Limtiaco, a former attorney general of Guam and U.S. attorney for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, is seeking to represent Guam as its delegate to Congress.
Limtiaco, who was born and raised on Guam, has worked as a prosecutor and taught at the University of Guam and Guam Community College. She became the first woman elected attorney general of Guam and later spent more than six years leading the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
In responses to questions from the Pacific Island Times, Limtiaco discussed her priorities for Guam in Congress, including addressing the cost of living and housing, securing benefits from federal and defense spending, diversifying the island’s economy and strengthening Guam’s voice in federal decisions.
Billions of dollars in U.S. defense spending are reshaping Guam’s economy and infrastructure, while residents and local businesses face pressure involving housing, utilities, land, labor and the cost of living. What legislation would you pursue to ensure the military buildup produces lasting benefits for Guam residents?
Alicia Limtiaco: The question itself makes the case for change. If billions are being spent here and our people are still falling behind, we should stop measuring success by how much money Washington announces and start asking what our current delegate in Congress has actually delivered.
The buildup gives us an opportunity to strengthen the infrastructure that serves everyone on Guam. As federal activity adds demand for housing, power, water, roads, healthcare and other services, I would work to secure federal funding alongside the government of Guam’s investment.
I would seek defense funding for projects that serve both local communities and the military mission, with federal agencies planning for their impact on civilian services from the start. Stronger infrastructure for our families also strengthens the defense mission.
When federal priorities affect Guam’s land, environment or communities, our Delegate must stand firm for Guam’s interests. I would insist on meaningful consultation, hold federal agencies to their historic preservation commitments, and seek solutions to serious impacts before projects move forward. I would also press for a clear plan and federal funding to strengthen the civilian infrastructure and services the buildup relies on.
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Guam continues to rely heavily on tourism and federal spending while local leaders have long called for a more diversified economy. What two industries outside tourism and defense-related construction would you prioritize for federal support? What legislation would you pursue to help those industries grow?
Alicia Limtiaco: Guam’s next industries will grow from the ideas and determination of our people. Congress can help by investing in infrastructure, developing our workforce, opening markets and removing barriers. I see particular opportunity in ship repair and advanced manufacturing.
I would pursue federal investment in the facilities needed to compete for that work, expand apprenticeships and skilled-trades training and help qualified Guam companies win federal vessel maintenance and repair contracts.
What specific changes to the Guam-U.S. relationship would you pursue in Congress, and how would you build support among lawmakers and federal officials to give Guam a stronger voice in decisions that affect the island?
Alicia Limtiaco: Guam’s ultimate political status is a decision for the people of Guam. I will respect their choice and work to ensure Washington does the same. At the same time, we can pursue fairer treatment for our people now. I would begin by giving Guam a voice earlier in federal decisions, while agencies are still considering alternatives and our input can shape the outcome.
When federal actions affect our land, defense, immigration, environment, healthcare or the cost of living, Guam’s elected government should be involved from the start. I would pursue stronger consultation requirements and work directly with federal agencies to put that principle into practice.
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Which federal policy affecting Guam do you believe most urgently needs to change, what legislation would you pursue to change it? How would you build bipartisan support for that effort in Congress?
Alicia Limtiaco: I would make bringing Supplemental Security Income to Guam a priority. SSI provides monthly assistance to people with very limited income and resources who are elderly, blind or living with a qualifying disability. In 2026, the maximum federal benefit for an eligible individual is $994 a month. Guam residents are excluded.
I would press for action in Ways and Means, seek partners in the Senate and bring together territorial leaders and national organizations representing seniors and people with disabilities. I would also pursue opportunities to include Guam in legislation that has a path to the President’s desk.
If elected, what would be your three priorities for Guam and what strategies would you use to advance them. What concrete results should voters expect after two years to determine whether you were effective?
Alicia Limtiaco: Billions of federal dollars are being spent on Guam. My focus is making sure that investment helps families afford a home, pay their bills and build a future here. Making Guam more affordable for the people who live here would be the overriding priority of my first term.
First, housing. I would pursue flexibility in federal housing programs so Guam can build more homes with the funding available to us.
Second, household costs and federal benefits. I would review transportation, shipping, customs and labor policies for the costs they place on Guam families and businesses, then pursue changes that fit our circumstances.
Third, lasting opportunities for Guam workers and businesses. I would help local companies compete for federal contracts, pursue opportunities in ship repair and advanced manufacturing, and expand pathways into the skilled trades.
After two years, voters should be able to see where these efforts stand. Is it easier to build housing? Has Guam’s SSI legislation advanced? Have federal rules that add to our costs changed? Are more Guam workers and businesses
benefiting from federal spending? Above all, has life improved for the people who call Guam home? That is how I will measure my work in Congress.
Billions are being spent and made on Guam. That alone is not success. Success is when the people who call Guam home can afford to keep calling it home.
That is how I will measure success in Congress, by what the people of Guam have to show for federal spending and whether their quality of life improves
because of it.
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