Senators held a series of informational hearings today on the military buildup and federal relations. Officials discussed the billions of dollars pouring into Guam, and the impact on the local community.

The briefing featured presentations from four separate panels including administration officials, chamber and business representatives and, of course, the military. But several senators complained about the rules that host and Vice Speaker Tina Muna-Barnes made, that they could submit written questions but not ask any at the briefing.

First to present was governor’s adviser for Micronesia and military affairs Carlotta Leon Guerrero, who said, "The Government of Guam feels that we are owed about a billion dollars for unreimbursed Compact costs. And at the same time, the Government of Guam spends about $77 million in federal matching or debt or fees that we owe the federal government so to offset that."

"That $1 billion may shake down to a lower number that everyone agrees on but in any case it will be a big number."

Guam Chamber of Commerce president Catherine Castro said, "All told the financial expenditure for the relocation of military assets will be over $11 billion. This does not consider additional improvements and future investments already spent."

"This also does not take into account the growth of new businesses that have come about and is expected to only increase to support the new military landscape as well as the growing needs of our own population," she added.

But along with the benefits, senators like Sabina Perez also worried about the inevitable downsides.  She said, "I’m also concerned about I guess the spillover effects of the buildup as regards the local population regards the cost of living, affordable housing. I’m hearing more and more there’s difficulties with our local people finding affordable places to love and so I feel that that needs to be addressed."

Military officials testified that from Fiscal Year 2021 to date they’ve awarded thirty projects worth $1.8 billion. And starting next fiscal year, another $1 billion will be awarded as the buildup hits a construction peak from 2023 to 2025. Senator Mary Torres summed up what other senators will be asking about and watching for, noting, "Going forward, it's really a balance between the good of the nation, national security; but most importantly, the good of the island and the community that hosts you here."